NAACP Commends the Biden Administration’s Decision to Hold a Fourth Negotiated Rulemaking Session

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 31, 2024

Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org

WASHINGTON – Today, the Biden Administration announced the Department of Education will convene a fourth session of the Student Loan Debt Relief negotiated rulemaking (Neg Reg) to ensure the Department can develop a robust rule to provide relief to millions of student loan borrowers experiencing hardship. The decision comes after the NAACP, advocates and fellow negotiators sent multiple letters urging the Department of Education to hold a fourth Negotiated Rulemaking Session.

Wisdom Cole, Director of the Youth and College Division shared the following statement:

"We are pleased to see the Biden Administration respond to our resounding calls for a fourth Negotiated Rulemaking Session. The NAACP firmly believes that defining hardship is a crucial element in building a path towards impactful student debt relief, particularly for young Black borrowers. I look forward to reconvening with the Department, fellow advocates, experts, and borrowers to continue this important work. It's not done until it's done."

The NAACP has been at the forefront of efforts to push for a fourth Negotiated Rulemaking Session, citing growing concerns for lack of definition around hardship qualifications. Cole, along with other advocates, believe that defining hardship would open pathways to more substantial relief, especially for young, Black borrowers, many of whom have been left out of the relief provided thus far, despite leading the charge to hold the administration accountable to their promise to cancel student debt. 

For more information on the NAACP's #50KandBeyond campaign, visit our website.

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.