Higher Ed Hopes Trump Can Help Restore the Higher Education Act
Legislation on the table
Higher Education Act
The president-elect is not directly responsible for legislation, but a good president will work with Congress to help urge progress on key bills, such as the highly anticipated Higher Education Act.
With affordability and access taking priority in the Higher Education Act. Smith said the bill presents “an important opportunity for greater investment in historically black colleges and universities, which have played — and are poised to play — an out sized role in helping greater numbers of minority youth obtain college degrees.” Trump has not specifically addressed the role of historically black colleges and universities in the higher education landscape.
Accreditation, access, campus safety and sexual assault are also key components of the Higher Education Act that will await the 115th Congress and President-elect Trump’s administration.
Campus safety and sexual assault was a huge priority for President Obama’s Department of Education, and Harnisch said “Title IX issues like combating campus sexual assault and LGBT equality remain on the policy agenda.” Trumps administration has a long road to walk to demonstrate his commitment to mitigating sexual assault and locker room or fraternity culture, which is often seen as a threat to women on campus.
Perkins Act
In addition to the Higher Education Act, many are also anticipating the re authorization of the Perkins Act, which focuses heavily on career and technical education. Baime said the Perkins Act, and specifically “providing support to community college job-related education and technical programs and students” is a top priority for AACU, and should be high on the radar for President-elect Trump.
Source: EducationDive