In response to the Department of Education’s mass firings of its workforce beginning March 11, Sameer Gadkaree, President of The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS), issued the following statement:
“Make no mistake: Today’s action is a far cry from any thoughtful, comprehensive policy proposal to improve our education system. Instead, it’s part of the continued, reckless diminishment of the Department of Education, built on firing workers fast – coupled with an unrealistic hope that the Administration can figure out a plan afterwards. It opens the door to an unprecedented wave of disorder and confusion for students, borrowers, and schools, while ignoring real opportunities for reform.
“We’re particularly concerned with how this move could threaten college students and student loan borrowers. Core functions of the Department could experience outages or breakages, leaving students struggling to get or renew financial aid or campus-based aid. Student loan borrowers, meanwhile, will struggle to access the benefits current law provides. And they can’t be sure they will get reliable, accurate advice on student loan repayment.
“The federal government has an essential role to play in promoting a fair, accessible, and affordable higher education system – one that serves students and helps our nation produce the college graduates it needs to grow our economy and keep our country competitive. For 46 years, the Department of Education has helped advance these national priorities.
“As charged by Congress, the Department oversees the administration of federal laws and programs, including distribution of Pell Grants and other student grants, student loan disbursement, and loan repayment. At Congress’s direction, the Department also ensures students have equitable access to an education and implements protections against fraud and abuse.
“TICAS stands ready to work with the Administration to advance policy priorities that serve students and our country. This work includes review and reform of the systems charged with its implementation, which are critical to the function of both higher education and our nation’s democracy. Today’s action by the Department of Education undermines both.”
