DFER CEO Jorge Elorza Calls on VP Harris to Prioritize Education as a Key Economic Driver Ahead of Presidential Debate

Press Releases

September 10, 2024

Elorza Urges Vice President Harris to Champion Education Reform Issues, Highlighting Its Vital Role in Strengthening America’s Workforce and Economic Growth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2024

Contact: Lynn Sexton, Director, National Communications
Lynn@dfer.org

(September 10, 2024, Washington, DC) — Ahead of tonight’s presidential debate, Jorge Elorza, CEO of Democrats for Education Reform (DFER), released the following statement, outlining key priorities for Vice President Kamala Harris:

“As Vice President Harris prepares for tonight’s presidential debate, we are encouraged by her focus on building an ‘opportunity economy’—one that recognizes education as a critical pathway to upward mobility. We urge her to make education policy, from early childhood to college, a central focus of her economic agenda. 

At the debate, and in the upcoming weeks, we hope to hear Vice President Harris emphasize an uncompromising commitment to quality and innovation in public education. School systems must be held accountable, with a focus on transparency and performance, and innovation should be encouraged by embracing forward-thinking data-driven solutions that push beyond the status quo. 

With Trump’s Project 2025 threatening the very existence of the Department of Education, we would also like to hear Vice President Harris underscore the importance of not only preserving the Department but empowering it as a key driver of her economic agenda. 

By setting concrete, ambitious goals and making it known that this is a priority of hers, Harris has the opportunity to mobilize the country to transform our public education systems. We look forward to working with Vice President Harris to realize this vision and ensure that every student has the opportunity to attend a great public school that allows them to reach their fullest potential.” 

###