U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris announced on Friday that, if elected president, she plans to eliminate college degree requirements for certain federal jobs. Both Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, and her Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, are making economic promises to attract voters as they compete in a close race for the November 5 U.S. elections. Harris has proposed a middle-class tax cut, while Trump has suggested reducing taxes on overtime pay. Both candidates support eliminating taxes on tips.
Speaking in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Harris said, “As president, I will get rid of the unnecessary degree requirements for federal jobs to increase jobs for folks without a four-year degree.” Data from the U.S. Census Bureau in early 2023 showed that over 62% of Americans aged 25 or older do not hold a bachelor’s degree, with non-degree holders comprising three out of five voters in the 2020 election.
Harris emphasized the importance of recognizing alternative paths to success, such as apprenticeships and technical programs, stating that a college degree does not necessarily reflect a person’s skills. She also challenged the private sector to adopt similar hiring practices. A survey by Gallup and the Lumina Foundation earlier this year found widespread skepticism among Americans about the cost and value of higher education, with more than half of U.S. adults who have never attended or dropped out of college citing the cost as a significant barrier.
During her speech, Harris was interrupted by protesters opposing U.S. support for Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and sparked a humanitarian crisis. While calling for a ceasefire and a hostage rescue deal, Harris said, “Now is the time to get a hostage deal and ceasefire,” and added, “I respect your voice, but right now, I am speaking.”
Harris has expressed support for Israel, a stance that could affect her voter base. Observers suggest that if pro-Palestinian Americans, including activists, Muslims, and Arabs—who largely supported Democrats in the last election—choose not to vote or back third-party candidates, it could harm Harris’ chances. The current conflict began on October 7, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and around 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures. Israel’s military response in the Hamas-controlled enclave has reportedly killed over 41,000 Palestinians, displaced nearly all of the 2.3 million population, and led to allegations of genocide, which Israel denies.
