Dēmos Responds to Supreme Court Hearing on Student Debt Relief

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Taifa Smith Butler, President of Dēmos, a think tank fighting for a just, inclusive, and multiracial democracy, released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court hearing of oral arguments challenging the Biden Administration’s student loan debt forgiveness plan:   

“Today’s hearing reminds us that creating a democracy and economy that works for us all requires thoughtful interventions and decisive action from our nation’s leaders. The Biden Administration’s student loan forgiveness program was designed to provide relief for over 40 million borrowers. However, a handful of ultraconservative officials, backed by special interest groups motivated by greed and dark money, want to bypass  the president’s authority  at the expense of everyday working people.  

“Addressing the student loan debt crisis puts money back in the pockets of families and communities who need it most.

Addressing the student loan debt crisis puts money back in the pockets of families and communities who need it most.

We applaud the students, former students, organizations, and concerned Americans elevating real voices at the steps of the Supreme Court in the call for a more fair and just economy for all. Eliminating student loan debt would do just that, among many other solutions rooted in economic and racial justice. Black and Brown borrowers are disproportionately burdened by student debt, further inhibiting their ability to build wealth and economic power. This ongoing crisis undermines the promise of higher education, leaving millions of people to put their dreams and lives on hold because of the crushing pain of student loan debt. 

“Let us be clear: any action, plan, or agenda not rooted in equity to address the student loan debt crisis undermines America’s legitimacy in being a world leader that truly cares about the future of its people.  

“Now is the time to relieve people of this burden not only because America’s families depend on it today, but so does the future of our economy.”  

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