As the 2024 presidential election approaches, higher education equity emerges as one of the key issues during this campaign season, reflecting broader societal concerns about access and systemic barriers. Equity, which involves providing resources and support that are specific to the needs of diverse students to ensure fair outcomes, differs from equality, which means treating all students the same despite their specific needs.
This election offers a critical opportunity to examine how different political perspectives address these challenges and their impact on marginalized communities. The election’s outcome could significantly shape future education policies, such as scholarship programs for underrepresented groups, and inclusive curriculum initiatives and their effectiveness in creating equitable learning environments, which will potentially alter the landscape of higher education and either advance or hinder progress toward improved equity.
Political perspectives and education equity
Democrats are advocating for student loan reform, student debt relief and making higher education more accessible and equitable. These policies aim to address the financial barriers that disproportionately affect marginalized populations, providing a pathway to success regardless of one’s background. In contrast, Republicans have criticized diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education which often intersects with debates over institutional policies and their effectiveness in creating equitable learning environments.
Differing views about education equity highlight the divide between political parties on how this subject matter should be handled and reformed, making higher education equity a key issue in the upcoming election. The debate is not only about policies, as they reflect the broader ideological differences regarding access to education and the government’s role in addressing systemic inequities, but also the extent to which the policies can create long-term change in the educational landscape.
An article by Best Colleges underscores this divide by contrasting Kamala Harris and Donald Trump’s views on higher education issues. These opposing stances illustrate the stakes of the election, as the outcome will likely determine the direction of higher education policy.
Living the education inequity and its impact on marginalized populations
Education equity is one of the pillars of transformation addressing the needs of various individuals and helping students with differences. This concept compels me to reflect on the research interviews I conducted in 2021 for a research project with members of a marginalized population and how education equity, or the lack of it, impacted them. Their statements reveal the profound effects of systemic inequities. For instance:
- Regarding cultural ignorance, one study participant said, “I encountered ignorance while I was in school…people assumed I was dumb and didn’t know the answer…I was asked if I speak English; they assumed I didn’t and treated me differently…I had to persevere…what was the other option?” This is a broader issue of cultural ignorance and bias within our educational settings as well as the challenges students face when preconceived notions about one’s background overshadow one’s capabilities.
- Racial discrimination was a factor when another study participant stated, “My last name was brown enough to be discriminated against…other times it was assumed I didn’t know something, but I did…I was discriminated against because of my skin color…I’ve found myself in racially charged scenarios, but I just wanted to keep my head down which was a self-reflection of my place in the world.” These statements were made in response to interactions not only with students but also with instructors. Such experiences of bias and racism contribute to a sense of alienation and hinder academic progress.
- A third study participant solemnly shared how the lack of representation among faculty and culturally competent advisors can leave students feeling unsupported. He mentioned how hard it was to move forward as a minority when people see skin color first before truly engaging in a conversation to witness first-hand that intellect is present in people who have different skin colors. A participant’s lack of interaction with minority professors and cultural misunderstandings with advisors exemplify how insufficient representation and cultural insensitivity can impact educational outcomes.
- A fourth study participant shared how there were times she “wanted to be part of the white passing phenomena to succeed,” underscoring the systemic issue of education inequity and its impact on marginalized students which also exposes the underlying racist ideology that equates whiteness with intelligence and success.
Broader societal implications
How can we connect the political debate on higher education with personal experiences, while highlighting the real-world implications of policy decisions and the ongoing need for reform? To explore this further, here are two, brief schools of thought on this subject. The 2024 presidential election’s outcome will significantly shape higher education policy, influencing funding, regulations and institutional practices. Moreover, a focus on education equity can drive systemic changes that address the needs of diverse learners and combat the barriers faced by marginalized communities.
While reflecting on lived experiences and the political discourse surrounding education equity, it becomes increasingly evident that addressing these issues is crucial for creating a more equitable higher education system. By examining both the policy implications and the lived experiences of marginalized students, we gain insight into how to advance educational equity and support the success of all learners, regardless of their background.
Education equity is not solely a policy debate; it is a lived experience for many students.
Editor’s note: This article has been edited since its original publication.
Featured Image: Photo by Sam Balye on Unsplash
Edited by: Steven London and Kester Kafeero
