In a move that has left many dumbfounded, California's Democratic Governor, Gavin Newsom, has announced the removal of college degree requirements for approximately 30,000 state jobs.
The decision, which has been met with skepticism, is part of what Newsom's administration describes as an effort to "modernize state government and improve the hiring process by removing unnecessary barriers to public service jobs."
According to RedState, the administration's press release also revealed an ambitious goal to double the number of jobs that will no longer require college degrees by 2025. This move has been interpreted by some as a manifestation of the soft bigotry of low expectations.
The press release further stated, The proposal for an additional roughly 32,000 positions statewide is currently being negotiated with employee unions and will be submitted for approval in 2025. The California Human Resources Department (CalHR), the body responsible for evaluating whether a degree or other educational requirements are necessary for a job, is spearheading this initiative.
Camille Travis, the Deputy Director of Communications at CalHR, told The Center Square, CalHR has committed to the policy and ongoing practice of ensuring there are multiple pathways, including without a degree, to most jobs. She added, "[CalHR] has removed barriers to employment from the minimum qualifications [totaling] approximately 176 job classifications to date where a degree or other educational requirement is not necessary, expanding opportunity and access to well-paying jobs in public service."
The press release quoted Newsom as saying, "California is working to ensure that every person has what they need to get a well-paying, long-lasting job so we can build an economy for the future that supports all families. Every Californian deserves the opportunity to build real-life skills and pursue a fulfilling career including those that dont require college degrees."
This move raises questions about the value of education and the role it plays in equipping individuals with the necessary skills for the job market. Critics argue that lowering education requirements does not necessarily increase a person's skill set. They also contend that well-paying jobs should be secured through merit, not "pay equity."
In a related development, several other states, including Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, have also stopped requiring college degrees for up to 90% of state jobs, according to Brookings. This trend, which seems to be gaining momentum across the country, has been met with mixed reactions, with critics arguing that it undermines the importance of education and sets a dangerous precedent for future generations.
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