Westmont, IL - Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) President Dan Montgomery issued the following statement after today’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that cancelled President Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan.
"Today’s ruling is another example of how Trump’s SCOTUS justices continue to discriminate against people of color and lower income Americans while prioritizing the wealthy and corporate interests.
“There is nothing more painful than seeing students who are unable to continue their academic careers because of financial strains, or watching students graduate burdened by many thousands of dollars of debt. Black women are particularly affected by student loan debt, owing an average of $37,558, compared to the $31,346 white women owe. This ruling is a shameful slap in the face to students who are drowning in debt and exacerbates our country’s dramatic racial wage disparities.
“As educators and unionists, we have a moral responsibility to help all students afford higher education without being saddled with devastating debt. Research proves the positive impact of a college education on everything from wages and economic mobility to economic development and community health.
“Our union will continue to work with the legislature to revamp higher education funding in Illinois to ensure that students have access to an affordable, equitable education.
“The IFT is committed to organizing our members and partnering with allies to ensure that this right wing Supreme Court does not dismantle decades of precedent and settled law that protect our rights and democracy.”
The Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) represents 103,000 teachers and paraprofessionals in PreK-12 school districts throughout Illinois, faculty and staff at Illinois’ community colleges and universities, public employees under every statewide elected constitutional officer, and retirees.
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