The Biden-Harris educational agenda

You could practically hear the collective sigh of relief when educators at all levels saw the announcement on November 7 that Donald Trump is on his way out. Perhaps more important to educators' immediate concerns, Betsy Devos hastily left as a result of her protest resignation after the January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S.A. capitol. The damage done by Devos, which some same say isn't much, will require Biden and Harris to undo what has undermined higher education over the last four years.

President-elect Biden spoke at numerous points about the importance of education. In addition, that his wife has a doctoral degree in education and continues an active education career, shows great promise. Dr. Jill Biden completed a bachelor, 2 masters, and doctorate degrees, justifying the appropriate title of "Dr.," although Joseph Epstein, a former bachelors-only degree holder and instructor up until 2003 in English at Northwestern University, criticized her for using the academic title. Northwestern's English department and broader university issued statements disagreeing with Epstein's views. Some predict that community colleges will be a primary place where a Biden-bump is expected but others see the same possibility for HBCUs and addressing student debt (with some advocating entirely cancelling previous debt and broader numbers joining the move) as part of his economic recovery plan.

Evidence projects a more positive approach to education during the Biden-Harris administration and this was reinforced by considerable resources being directed to higher education in Biden's $2 trillion infrastructure plan. In addition, Biden's proposed budget included significant increases to NIH and NSF, and a smaller increase for NEH. His proposed regular budget included increases for higher education that were lauded by many but, according to some higher education groups, some gaps remained.

A return to freer expression of various student concerns was also evident in the early days of Biden's administration. Speculation quickly emerged on who would serve as the their Secretary of Education which is key to delivering on campaign statements. The possibility of selecting former NEA President, Lily Eskelson Garcia, drew opposition before any announcement was made. Ultimately, Miguel Cordona, who previously has served as head of Connecticut schools, was confirmed, and other appointments filled in leadership in the Secretary's office. Higher education advocates were included in a number of other appointments, including some with track records related to equity and access.

Racial and wealth inequality will be one of the most important issues to address during the new administration. Responding to the "inequality that is built into the United States' most viable system of opportunity - the education sector - is an elephant in the room that the leader of the U.S. Department of Education... can't ignore." Biden's "Anti-Systemic Racism" Executive Order was an important signal that all government agencies should examine their practices and the impact will surely be seen in higher education. Cybersecurity is another major issue that impacts higher education and many other areas of citizens' lives in the USA. Tracy Mitrano, a Cornell University faculty member who moved to elective office over the last three years offers suggestions about what the Biden administration should do.

Responding to the devastation of COVID-19 on higher education, for which the Trump administration provided little guidance, Biden immediately called for better guidance to universities about safely opening and operating universities. Another very problematic area was the Trump administration's persistent policy intervention and statements about international students. The Trump administration caused U.S. enrollments in high school as well as at colleges and universities to decline presipitously. Educators are well aware that the Biden-Harris administration will have to reset both policy and perception of U.S. hospitality toward international students.

Everyone knows that a lot of hard work is ahead and the hope is that the consequence of electing Biden-Harris will be greater positive attention on all levels of education. We're with you, Joe!