In Support of Debt-Free College

WHEREAS, the cost of college tuition has skyrocketed in recent years, making higher education inaccessible for many students and leaving those who do attend with an enormous burden of debt; and

WHEREAS, the current student loan debt crisis is crippling individuals and families across the United States, with a total of $1.7 trillion in outstanding student loan debt; and

WHEREAS, student debt disproportionately affects marginalized communities and exacerbates existing economic inequalities; and

WHEREAS, a college education is increasingly necessary to obtain employment that provides a livable wage and financial stability; and

WHEREAS, access to affordable higher education is essential for the United States to remain competitive in the global economy; and

WHEREAS, several states and cities have already implemented debt-free college solutions, demonstrating that it is a viable and effective policy solution; and

WHEREAS, Congress has a responsibility to promote the general welfare of its citizens and to ensure equal access to education; and

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP will advocate for Congress to prioritize the implementation of debt-free college solutions, such as tuition-free public colleges and universities, increased financial aid and support for low-income students, and the reduction of government student loan rates as well as origination fees or elimination of student loan debt.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP will advocate for Congress to work to ensure that these solutions are equitable, accessible, and inclusive, with a particular focus on addressing historical and systemic barriers to education for marginalized communities including increasing the federal funding for students attending community college.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP will advocate for Congress to prioritize funding for higher education and invest in the future of our country by providing every American with the opportunity to receive a quality college education, without the burden of crushing debt.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP supports pathways to debt-free college education as a basic right for all. Congress must take action to ensure that every American has the opportunity to pursue their dreams and achieve their full potential without being held back by the burden of student loan debt.