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A message from League of United Latin American Citizens
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Photo Credit:Olivier Douliery | AFP | Getty Images
June 30, 2023
Contact: David Cruz - (818) 689-9991 Mobile
[email protected]
LULAC EXPRESSES DISMAY AND DISBELIEF OVER SUPREME COURT'S DECISION DENYING DEBT
RELIEF ON STUDENT LOANS
===============================================================================
Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Says Decision
Provides a Financial Windfall to Collectors and Creates Barriers for Millions
Washington, D.C. - The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
challenges the ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court denying debt relief on student
loans. This decision places politics and business interests ahead of pursuing
higher learning and undermines the fundamental principles of equality and access
to education.
The Supreme Court's conservative majority, in a 6-3 decision, invalidated
President Joe Biden's plan to cancel over $400 billion in student loan debt for
millions of borrowers. The justices, divided along ideological lines, deemed the
program an unlawful exercise of presidential power, arguing that it lacked
explicit approval from Congress. The Biden administration proposed canceling up
to $10,000 in federal loan debt and an additional $10,000 if the student had a
Pell Grant loan and earned less than $125,000 or less than $250,000 for couples
filing taxes jointly.
LULAC believes this ruling is a disheartening setback for aspiring students and
borrowers burdened by exorbitant student loan debt. Chief Justice John Roberts
said that the language of the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students
Act (HEROES Act) was not specific enough. He said clear authorization from
Congress was necessary before the Administration could substantially change the
economy. However, LULAC contends that the Supreme Court's decision fails to
recognize the urgent need for relief and the detrimental impact of unaffordable
education on the future of our nation.
Between 2004 and 2016, individual student debt increased by 60% to an average of
$15,797. After starting to make payments, 36% of Latinos will end up owing more
than the amount they originally owed after starting college twelve years before.
Among Latino undergraduate students starting college after 2012, more than half
(51%) borrowed funds to pay for their undergraduate or graduate education. Seven
out of ten Latino students take out loans to attend college, compared with 66
percent of white students. In 2021, 18 percent of Latino borrowers reported being
behind on their student loan debt compared to 9 percent of white borrowers.
"LULAC sees this ruling as part of a not-surprising pattern by a conservative
majority, handpicked and confirmed by a Republican leadership that is willing to
give tax breaks and bailouts to corporations and fat cats but denies working
students breathing room from predatory loans with exorbitant interest rates,"
expressed Domingo Garcia, LULAC National President. "Wall Street is applauding
today's decision because greed has prevailed over good insofar as encouraging
modest income persons from pursuing a higher education. This rhetoric cannot
continue - we must advocate for a change, right now. It is unacceptable that
young Latino professionals are saddled with a high percentage rate of student
loan repayment, making it even more difficult for them to make ends meet with the
salary they are already receiving.”
Access to affordable higher education is paramount for America to remain
competitive in the rapidly advancing world of artificial intelligence and
technological innovation. Denying debt relief from unbearable student loans only
perpetuates a sharply divided society, with an elite class advancing while others
struggle in low-paying jobs throughout their lives. Domingo Garcia further
emphasized, "If our country is to move forward and thrive, it is essential that
all individuals have the opportunity to pursue a college or university education.
Today's ruling only exacerbates the growing divide between the haves and
have-nots."
LULAC recognizes the importance of President Biden's commitment to addressing
student loan debt and understands the political significance of this issue,
especially for younger voters who played a crucial role in his election. The
Supreme Court's decision now places the responsibility on the Biden
administration to explore alternative avenues to provide relief for student loan
borrowers that can withstand legal challenges.
LULAC urges Congress to take swift action to alleviate the burden of student loan
debt on millions of Americans. Furthermore, we implore the Biden administration
to use all available legal routes, including the 1965 Higher Education Act, to
protect student loan borrowers and ensure that higher education remains
accessible to all.
As we strive for a fair and equitable society, LULAC remains committed to
advocating for the rights of Latino students and all marginalized communities. We
will continue to work tirelessly to dismantle the barriers that hinder
educational opportunities and stand against decisions prioritizing profit over
our nation's well-being and future.
# # #
About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and
oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans
and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000
councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and
advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of
today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org [ [link removed] ] .
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