Rep. Takano: “It is clear who Secretary Betsy DeVos sides with, and it’s not with students.”
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Education’s announcement of the final proposed Borrowers Defense rule that would cut $12.7 billion in debt relief from students who were deceived by predatory for-profit colleges. Secretary DeVos’ rule also proposes to force students to default on their loans before they are eligible for debt relief.
“It is clear who Secretary Betsy DeVos sides with, and it’s not with students. Today’s proposed Borrowers Defense rule places an incredible burden on borrowers who were defrauded by for-profit institutions and fails to hold predatory for-profit colleges accountable.
“We have seen the lasting damage to students who were victims of for-profit colleges and the difficulty they face when trying to get some relief for the student loan debt they amassed when they were scammed by these institutions. By gutting $12.3 billion in debt relief, preventing students from bringing forth class action claims against predatory institutions, and forcing borrowers into default before even considering their claims, Secretary DeVos is making it harder for students to get the relief they desperately need.
“Under this rule, students will suffer, and taxpayers will be lining the pockets of Secretary DeVos’ friends, the for-profit schools that rob students of their federal aid and scam them into debt.”
###
Press Contact
Dayanara Ramirez (202) 225-2305