Education Philanthropy and the 2024 Election: Part 2

Since our last blog post on the upcoming election and its implications for education philanthropy, the political landscape has shifted dramatically. Two attempts on Republican nominee Donald Trump’s life have heightened tensions and security concerns. Joe Biden’s unexpected exit from the race catapulted Kamala Harris into the Democratic nominee position. Both parties have selected their vice presidential candidates, held their conventions, and released their platforms. The debates have only intensified the stakes, with Trump winning the first and Harris winning the second.

If this election was already shaping up to be one of the most consequential in recent history, it has only become more so. The stark differences between the parties’ visions for education and workforce development, coupled with the increasing politicization of these issues, present both challenges and opportunities for education philanthropists. As we approach this pivotal moment, it is critical to examine how the outcome could reshape the landscape of education in America and what role philanthropy can play in navigating this turbulent terrain.

Divergent Visions: The Party Platforms

Republican Platform

The Republican platform, building on Trump’s “America First” agenda, emphasizes school choice, vocational training, and a return to what Republicans term “traditional” educational values. Key points of this platform include:

1. School Choice: The GOP platform calls for a dramatic expansion of school choice through vouchers, charter schools, and tax-credit scholarships. It argues that such reform will improve educational outcomes by fostering competition and allowing parents more control over their children’s education.
2. Workforce Development: The GOP strongly emphasizes vocational training and apprenticeship programs, with the stated goal of better aligning education with job market demands. The platform proposes partnerships between schools, businesses, and trade organizations to create more direct pathways to employment.
3. Curriculum Reform: The platform takes a strong stance against what it calls “divisive” curricula, specifically targeting critical race theory and comprehensive sex education. Instead, it advocates for a “patriotic education” that emphasizes American exceptionalism and traditional values.
4. Higher Education Reform: The GOP proposes significant changes to higher education, including reforming the student loan system, protecting free speech on college campuses (meaning Right-wing speech), and reducing federal involvement in higher education overall.
5. Local Control: There is a consistent theme of shifting control away from the federal government and towards state and local authorities, including a proposal to eventually eliminate the Department of Education.

It’s notable, however, that the Republican platform lacks detail, and Trump and his surrogates have not clarified what they mean by these agenda items or how they would implement them. Instead, they seem to be counting on the appeal of slogans and “concepts of a plan” to persuade voters.

Democratic Platform

The Democratic platform, building on the policy positions of the Obama and Biden years, focuses on expanding access to education and addressing inequities. Major proposals include:

1. Early Childhood Education: The Democrats propose universal pre-K for all 3- and 4-year-olds, arguing this will improve long-term educational outcomes and provide crucial support for working families.
2. K-12 Funding: The platform calls for significant increases in federal funding for public schools, with a focus on addressing disparities between high- and low-income districts.
3. Higher Education Access: Democrats propose making community college free for all Americans and significantly expanding Pell Grants to cover more of the cost of four-year degrees.
4. Student Debt Relief: The platform includes plans for substantial student debt relief and reform of student loan programs to make repayment more manageable.
5. Equity Initiatives: There is a strong emphasis on supporting historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions, as well as programs to increase diversity in the teaching workforce.
6. Workforce Development: The Democratic platform also emphasizes job training, but with a focus on preparing workers for “jobs of the future” in green energy, technology, and healthcare.

Project 2025

The conservative Project 2025 blueprint, while not officially endorsed by Trump, provides insight into potential policies a Republican administration might pursue, especially given its architects served in the previous Trump administration and would be considered for senior roles in his administration were he to win in November. These include:

• Eliminating the Department of Education entirely
• Redirecting all federal education funding to state block grants with minimal strings attached
• Expanding religious exemptions in education, including for institutions that receive federal funding
• Promoting “patriotic education” curricula that emphasize a particular narrative of American history
• Rolling back Obama-era civil rights protections in education, including guidance on transgender students and school discipline

Analyzing the implications

The conservative approach

The conservative approach, as outlined in the Republican platform and Project 2025, represents a potentially massive disruption in education. While many agree that the education system needs reform in the face of technological change and global competition, the proposed policies could cause significant upheaval.

The emphasis on school choice, while popular among many conservatives, raises concerns about the potential defunding of public schools and increased segregation. The curriculum reforms, particularly the push against so-called “divisive” topics, could limit students’ exposure to diverse perspectives and critical thinking about complex social issues.

The proposal to eliminate the Department of Education would be a seismic shift in federal education policy, potentially leaving states with widely divergent educational standards and resources. While this aligns with conservative principles of local control, it could exacerbate existing inequalities between states and school districts.

We must question whether these changes truly benefit all learners, workers, and educators, or if they serve a narrower ideological agenda. There is a risk that these policies could further polarize an already divided education landscape and potentially leave behind students from marginalized communities.

The Democratic approach

In contrast, the Democratic platform offers a more incremental approach, building on existing structures while addressing popular concerns like college affordability and pre-K access. The focus on equity and increased funding for public education aligns with longstanding liberal priorities.

However, given the rapid pace of change in our economy and society, we must ask if these reforms go far enough to prepare Americans for the challenges ahead. The emphasis on traditional four-year college degrees, while expanding access, may not fully address the need for diverse educational pathways in a changing job market.

Moreover, the Democratic platform’s reliance on increased federal spending and involvement in education could face significant political and practical challenges in implementation. The proposed student debt relief, while popular among many voters, raises questions about long-term sustainability and fairness.

The Politicization of Education

The politicization of education is not new, but it has reached new heights in this election cycle. While past administrations have linked education to broader national goals, the current Republican platform goes further, framing education within a nationalist project that deliberately excludes many Americans, or at a minimum defines “American” narrowly.

The GOP’s emphasis on “patriotic education” and opposition to certain curricula risks further turning schools into ideological battlegrounds. This approach risks stifling academic freedom and critical thinking, core values of the American education system.

On the other hand, the Democrats’ continued focus on education as the primary pathway to a better life—a stance dating back to the Clinton era, if not earlier—may not fully address the economic anxieties of many voters who feel left behind by globalization and technological change. While expanding educational access is crucial, it may not be sufficient to address deeper structural economic issues.

Implications for Education Philanthropists

As we navigate this complex landscape, education philanthropists must grapple with several key questions:

1. How do the policy differences between parties potentially impact education outcomes, and how should these shape philanthropic strategies?
2. What does the increasing politicization of education mean for philanthropists’ ability to serve the field equitably and effectively?
3. How can philanthropic organizations advocate for policies and positions that best address the needs of all Americans, bridging political divides?

Too often, philanthropic organizations overestimate the power of their capital and underestimate the power of their influence. With the United States at a critical inflection point, philanthropy must carefully consider its role.

Philanthropists should consider:

• Supporting research and pilot programs that can inform evidence-based policy, regardless of which party is in power
• Investing in initiatives that bridge partisan divides and foster collaboration in education reform
• Advocating for policies that promote equity and access in education while also addressing the economic concerns driving political polarization
• Supporting civic education and media literacy programs to help combat the spread of misinformation and strengthen democratic institutions
• Exploring innovative educational models that prepare students for a rapidly changing job market, beyond traditional academic pathways

As we approach this consequential election, education philanthropists have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to help shape a more equitable, effective, and resilient education system. By leveraging both their financial resources and their influential voices, philanthropists can play a crucial role in ensuring that education remains a pathway to opportunity for all Americans, regardless of the election’s outcome.