As the 2024 presidential campaign unfolds, education has not emerged as a central issue for the two major candidates, but significant differences in their policies could impact New Jersey schools. Here’s a breakdown of their stances on education.
Federal Education Oversight
Donald Trump, the Republican candidate and former president, has expressed intentions to shut down the U.S. Department of Education, which manages a nearly $80 billion budget that supports education from pre-K to higher education. He argues that the federal agency promotes “indoctrination” in schools. However, shutting down the department requires congressional approval, which is unlikely without Republican control of both chambers.
In contrast, Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate and current Vice President, has committed to maintaining the Department of Education, emphasizing its role in providing additional funding to schools with high populations of low-income students and supporting services for students with disabilities.
School Choice
Trump champions universal school choice, advocating for families to use public funds for private education. His campaign promotes a “Parental Bill of Rights” that emphasizes curriculum transparency and school choice. During his first term, he appointed Betsy DeVos, a staunch supporter of school choice, as Secretary of Education.
On the other hand, Harris and the Democratic platform oppose private-school vouchers and similar initiatives that divert taxpayer resources from public education. Although discussions around school choice have emerged among New Jersey lawmakers, significant pushback from education stakeholders has stalled proposed legislation.
Title IX Protections
Title IX is crucial for preventing discrimination based on sex in federally funded schools. The Biden-Harris administration has strengthened protections to include gender identity and sexual orientation, ensuring that transgender students have clear rights within educational institutions.
Trump has indicated that he would roll back these protections, stating he would do so “on day one” if elected. He has also proposed banning transgender student-athletes from competing on teams that align with their gender identity. In New Jersey, protections for LGBTQ+ students remain robust, ensuring their rights even if federal regulations change.
Pre-K Expansion
The Democrats’ platform advocates for free, universal preschool for 4-year-olds, aligning with ongoing efforts in New Jersey to expand preschool access. Under Governor Phil Murphy, the state has already added 14,000 preschool seats, prioritizing early childhood education.
While Trump has not explicitly called for an end to the Head Start program, a conservative policy agenda associated with him suggests eliminating it entirely. Trump has publicly stated he is unaware of this plan but does not support it. Conversely, Harris has committed to preserving Head Start and expanding access to affordable, high-quality childcare and preschool.
Conclusion
The stark differences in education policy between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris highlight potential shifts in New Jersey’s educational landscape, depending on the outcome of the election. As voters consider these candidates, their positions on federal education oversight, school choice, Title IX protections, and early childhood education will play a critical role in shaping the future of education in the state.
