Interim National Director of the NAACP Youth & College Division, Wisdom Cole, Releases Statement After Meeting with U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona

Wisdom Cole, Interim National Director of the NAACP Youth & College Division, released the following statement after meeting with U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona:

"Today, we had an introductory meeting with Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to discuss the issues plaguing current college students and over 40 million Americans. The need for meaningful action around student loan debt, education equity, campus safety & policing can no longer go unanswered.

This crisis is an economic issue that crosses all generations and communities. We recognize that this is not just a student issue; it plagues families, children, and communities looking to improve upon their plight. The Covid-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the inequities of the U.S. education system, perpetuating the lack of resources and access for Black students across the country. During our meeting, we made it abundantly clear that addressing the needs of our nation's most promising demographic must be a priority to ensure our society's viability and sustained growth.

We had a full and frank dialogue, but words are no substitute for impact and action. The NAACP looks forward to continuing its efforts to ensure the Biden-Harris administration's promise of Building Back Better includes addressing the inequities of this nation and standing with those that seek to create a society that provides access to education."