What Would a Harris Presidency Mean for Education?
A look at her statements and record
The Presidential election landscape changed just one week ago. With Vice President Kamala Harris now the apparent Democratic candidate, people are beginning to take a look at her record on a range of issues.
President Joe Biden has been a friend to public education during his time in the White House, and Harris is likely to continue that.
One of her first public appearances as a Presidential candidate was at a meeting of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). During this speech, she noted that while GOP lawmakers in many states were focused on banning books, she’s focused on keeping children and teachers in schools safe by banning assault weapons.
The advocacy group Save Our Schools Arizona dug in to Harris’s record and notes there’s every reason to believe she will be an advocate for public schools as well as an ally to public school educators.
Here are some highlights:
In 2019, arguing that the issue of underpaid teachers is a “crisis” with “disastrous consequences,” Harris called for $13,500 raises for teachers by the end of her first term. Her goal was to close the teacher pay gap, or the difference between what teachers are paid and what those with comparable college degrees and experience are paid.
Harris has spoken out publicly against “culture war” legislation, including book bans, attacks on LGBTQ+ educators and students, and mandates to teach revisionist history. In 2023, after the Florida State Board of Education approved educational guidelines that included the idea that enslaved people benefited from their enslavement by learning specialized skills, Harris flew to Florida and delivered a blistering speech to condemn the new guidelines.
She’s not afraid to support striking teachers:
In 2019, for the first time in three decades, 30,000 educators in Los Angeles went on strike for smaller class sizes, more counselors and librarians, and a full-time nurse in every school. Harris expressed explicit support for the strike, tweeting, “Los Angeles teachers work day in and day out to inspire and educate the next generation of leaders. I’m standing in solidarity with them as they strike for improved student conditions, such as smaller class sizes and more counselors and librarians.”
Moreover, on the issue of unions, she joined President Biden on the picket line with the United Auto Workers (UAW) in 2023 - a historic move, marking the first time a sitting President and VP marched with striking workers.
She’s also stood up to one of Americas top promoters of school privatization:
Harris’ very first speech on the US Senate floor was in opposition to the nomination of Betsy DeVos as Trump’s Secretary of Education, shredding her for an utter lack of qualifications and experience.
While we’re on the topic of Harris, it’s important to note that at least one of the candidates she’s considering for the VP slot on the ticket is staunchly pro-voucher:
She’s also reportedly considering former teacher and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as well as Govs. Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Roy Cooper of North Carolina - all with solid records in support of public education.
A great read! I also was happy to see the SOSAz quote!