Teachers Union Decries Supreme Court Ruling on Student Loan Forgiveness

National Education Association says decision perpetuates systemic injustice

The nation's largest labor union is speaking out after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness plan in the Biden v. Nebraska decision released today.

The National Education Association (NEA) argues that the decision will have a significant impact on its members and on millions of Americans who were set to benefit under Biden's debt relief plan.

Biden's Student Debt Relief Plan would have provided up to $10,000 of student debt cancellation for income-qualified borrowers (those earning less than $125,000/year) and up to $20,000 for borrowers who had received Pell Grants (need-based aid).

The decision by the Supreme Court, a 6-3 ruling, says the plan exceeded the President's authority.

“The court’s decision in Biden v. Nebraska reflects a failure to recognize the realities faced by student loan borrowers today. Student debt has reached astronomical levels, hindering the economic progress of individuals, families, and our nation as a whole,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “The student debt relief plan was meticulously crafted to provide relief to those who need it the most, such as low-income borrowers, veterans, and public servants who have dedicated their lives to serving their communities. The court’s ruling not only fails these deserving individuals but also undermines the president’s authority to take decisive action in addressing critical issues affecting the American people.”

The plan would have cancelled $430 billion of student debt (out of $1.7 trillion currently owed).

The ruling also prompted a response from economic justice advocacy group Demand Justice, which said the decision highlights the need for reform of the Supreme Court.

Brian Fallon, Executive Director of Demand Justice, said, "As we saw in the student debt crisis today, it is not enough to win elections and it is not enough to be right on the law when your case is decided by justices like these.

Fallon added:

"This should be a wake up call: the only thing that can ensure we do not face the same crisis every June for the next 40-some years is Democrats embracing structural reform to the Court."

Photo byBill MasononUnsplash