After beating Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump is back in the White House following the 2024 election. He’s making sweeping changes that will have an effect on the lives of high school students, regardless of how they are, or are not, invested in politics. Here are some things every young adult should know.
Potential Changes to the Department of Education
In an effort to lessen government regulation of schools, the Trump administration has stated plans to abolish the Department of Education. This action may result in major changes to the way education policies are applied in different states, which might have an impact on budget distribution and curricular requirements. This change is touted as a way to help bring down the nation’s deficit by cutting excess spending at the federal level.
While this may seem that it will not affect current students, think again. Recent budget cuts have already reduced the number of teachers in schools and increased the number of students in classes. Most states are dependent on federal funding to run many of their programs. By dropping financial responsibility to states, there will be more teacher cuts as well as program cuts.
School Sports & Transgender Rights
While these budget cuts may also impact athletics, more stringent regulation regarding who can participate in school athletics based on gender identity will definitely impact high school students. Supporters of these changes argue that in order to preserve competitive fairness, participation must be limited based on a person’s gender at birth. They argue that these regulations protect women’s and girls sports and that certain athletes have an advantage due to biological differences. However, opponents say that these regulations unfairly single out transgender students and deny them access to important sports opportunities. They point out that permitting trans adolescents to play sports is consistent with inclusive, anti-discrimination laws, and that trans youth already experience greater rates of mental health issues and prejudice. States like Minnesota, on the other hand, are refusing to comply and are sticking to their own anti-discrimination laws. Anti-discrimination laws are very necessary for protecting the youth from unfair treatment in public places, jobs, and schools. Even though they have little influence over the rules that impact them, teens can experience discrimination based on race, gender, and disability. As more young people enter the economy and pursue higher education, strengthening these laws will provide equal opportunities and protections. (AP News)
Immigration & Student Safety
The most immediate impact is coming through changes in how immigration laws are being implemented with ICE raids increasing in certain cities. As a result, some students are skipping school out of fear for their families, torn between their education and their safety. (The Guardian) In response, schools in areas like Montgomery County are stepping up, making its area a safe space to support and help affected families navigate these challenges.
Why Should You Care?
Even if you can’t vote yet, the decisions made in government still shape your daily life from who’s on your sports team to what’s taught in your classes. You don’t have to wait until you’re 18 to make a difference. Join organizations that align with your beliefs, like Vote 16MD, American Youth Association, which practices legislation with youth, and stay informed.
Jobs and Future Opportunities
Trump’s government has prioritized economic expansion, seeking to increase employment through company tax breaks and deregulation. But this can also lead to disparities, which may limit young people’s access to some kinds of employment.
Focus on Vocational Training: Apprenticeship programs and vocational education have received a lot of attention. This implies that students interested in technical and trade-related jobs may get further assistance in locating apprenticeships immediately after high school. The impact on students is that this may be a good time to consider the future. Will getting a college degree or entering a skilled profession be the better choice?
The 2024 election, like all government changes, will influence the future. The decisions made by politicians will have a lasting effect on the lives of young people in America, which includes changes ranging from employment and educational prospects to discussions about social media freedom such as Tiktok, and the environment. Understanding the election and its policies can help youth understand what is going on in America and get them ready for the changes and challenges that lie ahead, so even if you are unable to vote yet, your voice still matters. Remember that the future is in your hands, so keep yourself informed and stay engaged.
