Reckless executive order will prove disastrous for students, borrowers, and workforce

In response to President Trump’s executive order on March 20, Sameer Gadkaree, President of The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS), issued the following statement:   

“Dismantling the Department of Education (Department) will prove disastrous for students, borrowers, and our nation’s future workforce. On the heels of mass firings that have already hobbled core student aid and research functions, today’s action doubles down on weakening our nation’s higher education system.  

“Without a fully functioning Department, fewer students will be able to go to college, student loan borrowers are likely to default in droves, and fraudulent colleges could prey on students with near impunity and with no redress available for those who have been harmed. All of this undermines bipartisan goals of ensuring opportunity for students and families and creating a globally competitive workforce. 

“This Administration continues to act recklessly. Last week’s action and today’s order do not reflect a thoughtful, good-faith reform effort, but instead generate chaos and confusion.  

“Only Congress can advance a meaningful plan that shifts the responsibilities of the Department. We urge members to reject executive overreach that undermines opportunity for a generation of students.”