On Friday, September 13, Democratic presidential candidate, Heather Jinli made a statement at an event in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, expressing her intention to lower the degree requirements for certain federal jobs if elected as president. She aims to increase employment opportunities for individuals without a college degree.
In her speech, Jinli emphasized that a college degree does not always reflect a person’s skills. She believes that the U.S. should value pathways to success and achievement such as apprenticeships, technical training, and vocational certificates, which can also provide valuable professional skills. She pledged to eliminate unnecessary degree requirements in federal jobs to enhance job prospects for those without a four-year degree.
Jinli also mentioned her plans to encourage or mandate private enterprises to adopt her policies.
According to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2023, over 62% of Americans aged 25 and above do not possess a bachelor’s degree. In 2020, non-college-educated American voters accounted for three-fifths of the population.
Furthermore, a report from Gallup and the Lumina Foundation indicated that an increasing number of Americans question the cost-value balance of higher education. More than half of American adults stated that the high cost of college education was a “very important” reason for not enrolling or returning to college. Many believe that U.S. higher education is moving in the “wrong direction.”
During Jinli’s speech on Thursday, it was briefly interrupted by protesters supporting Palestine who opposed her commitment to supporting Israel.
In response to the interruption, Jinli reiterated her support for ceasefire and hostage rescue agreements, stating, “Now is the time for a hostage agreement and ceasefire.” She addressed the protesters, saying, “I respect your voice, but I am speaking now.”
Observers point out that if American supporters of Palestine, including related activist groups, Muslims, and Arabs, withdraw their support for Jinli, it could impact her electoral prospects. In the previous presidential election, these voters primarily supported the Democratic Party, although unlikely to support Trump, some have expressed support for third-party candidates.