Education policies in the upcoming election are poised to differ sharply between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Although education hasn’t been a central issue in the current political discourse, both candidates hold distinct perspectives on key topics ranging from student loans to transgender U.S. education rights. Here are the top five areas where their education policies diverge.
Student Loans and Debt Relief
Student loan debt, a pressing issue affecting over 45 million Americans, represents a major point of contrast between Harris and Trump. Harris, aligning with the Biden administration’s efforts, is expected to continue supporting loan forgiveness initiatives, including the Saving on Valuable Education (SAVE) plan. Under Biden and Harris, significant strides were made, such as forgiving the debts of 60,000 public service workers. Harris has emphasized the administration’s success in improving the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, helping over a million public servants.
However, pressure may mount for Harris to consider broader debt cancellation, although previous efforts have faced legal challenges. In contrast, Trump has consistently criticized these debt relief efforts and would likely reduce government involvement in programs like SAVE. His stance on student loans, evident from his first term, suggests minimal support for widespread relief, preferring a more conservative approach that limits government intervention.
School Choice and Public U.S. Education
School choice remains a focal point for Trump’s education platform. Labeling it the “civil rights issue of our time,” Trump has signaled strong support for policies that give parents more control over their children’s education. His proposal includes a universal school choice policy and the redirection of federal funds to follow students, enabling families to choose private or homeschooling options over public schools. Trump’s vision aligns with the growing movement in Republican-led states advocating for education savings accounts, which provide financial support to families opting out of the public system.
Harris, on the other hand, has not been a vocal advocate of school choice. Democrats generally oppose such policies, arguing that they divert much-needed funding from public schools, weakening the quality of education available to all students. While Harris has not made education a prominent feature of her campaign, her party’s stance suggests a continued focus on strengthening public education rather than expanding school choice options.
Transgender Rights in Education
One of the most contentious areas in U.S. education is the treatment of transgender students, and the candidates hold polar opposite views. Trump has pledged to reverse the Biden administration’s expanded definition of Title IX, which includes protections for transgender students. His agenda would limit transgender rights in schools, particularly by restricting bathroom access and opposing gender-affirming care for minors. Trump’s rhetoric suggests that he would also push for penalties against teachers who discuss gender identity issues with students.
Conversely, Harris has consistently supported transgender rights, though it has not been a major focus of her campaign. Her track record, along with her running mate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s leadership of a “trans refuge” state, underscores her commitment to protecting transgender students. As legal battles over transgender rights intensify, including an upcoming Supreme Court case, the future of these protections could dramatically shift depending on the election outcome.
