Education Philanthropy and the 2024 Election: Part 2
September 26, 2024 BlogSince our last blog post on the upcoming election and its implications for education philanthropy, the political landscape…
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.
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:
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.
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:
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:
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.
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 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.
As we navigate this complex landscape, education philanthropists must grapple with several key questions:
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.
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.