The latest news from the Project on Predatory Student Lending
There hasn't been a dull moment yet in 2024. Read more on what we have been up to below.
Defending the Sweet borrower defense settlement
After the Department of Education violated the $6 billion settlement agreement in Sweet v. Cardona by failing to meet the settlement deadline of January 28, 2024, class members filed a motion to enforce the agreement last week. We’ve heard from thousands of class members in recent months who have yet to receive the relief they are owed under the settlement— and it is causing serious harm, from canceled home loans to canceled medical procedures. Within hours of the filing, Judge Alsup issued an order requiring the Department of Education to notify student loan servicers that they must appear before the court on April 24 to explain why they should not be held in contempt of court for their role in delaying settlement relief. Class members can reference our FAQ for the latest information.
Influencing Idaho’s planned purchase of University of Phoenix
The University of Idaho’s planned purchase of the behemoth online for-profit school University of Phoenix is coming under fire, as the Idaho House recently voted to urge the State Board of Education to reconsider the deal. PPSL president and director Eileen Connor weighed in with an opinion piece in the Idaho Statesman, highlighting the many ways that University of Phoenix has been bad for students and will be bad for Idaho.
Welcoming new team members to PPSL
As our work continues to grow, we are pleased to welcome two new team members to PPSL.
Noah Zinner joined us earlier this year as PPSL’s Director of Litigation. In this executive team role, Noah will oversee PPSL’s overall legal strategy and team of attorneys. Noah previously served as Regional Managing Attorney at Bay Area Legal Aid in Oakland, CA, and Senior/Managing Attorney at Housing and Economic Rights Advocates (HERA). Ashley Harrington has joined the team as PPSL’s Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy. In this new role, she will oversee PPSL’s policy and advocacy work. Previously, Ashley worked as Senior Advisor to the Chief Operating Officer at the Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid.
We know that Noah and Ashley will be huge assets to our clients and team going forward.
Catch up on some recent coverage of our work:
Borrowers ask judge to enforce $6 billion student loan settlement - Washington Post
The Biden administration owes student debt relief to thousands. Many haven't seen it yet. - USA Today
Navient distanced itself from a controversial student-loan portfolio. Meanwhile, borrowers can’t escape. - MarketWatch
Your continued support of PPSL allows us to take on these big fights and challenge predatory practices in higher education.
Consider making a donation to PPSL today.
