Quick Answer: The Department of Education delayed July 1, 2017 regulations that would have protected federal student loan borrowers from fraudulent schools, drawing criticism from North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein and others. The delayed protections included prohibiting forced arbitration, preventing class action lawsuit waivers, and providing automatic relief for defrauded borrowers.
North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein has joined to voices of others from around the country who are disappointed the Department of Education has decided to delay the July 1, 2017 regulations that would have helped to protect students with federal student loans from fraudulent schools and colleges. See this.
Stein said, “Education is one of the best reasons I can think of to borrow money. But unfortunately, there are some in our world who take advantage of those who are vulnerable – and that includes student borrowers. As North Carolina’s Attorney General, protecting people, including students is my top priority.”
“That is why I find this news deeply troubling. The rules, which were to take effect on July 1, would protect student borrowers – delaying them is misguided and irresponsible.”
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“These delayed rules were hard-fought and sound consumer protection measures born out of the problems that other attorneys general and I have seen plague student borrowers time and time again.”
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The delayed protections include:
- Prohibiting schools from forcing students to pursue complaints in arbitration rather than in court;
- Prohibiting schools from requiring students to waive participation in class action lawsuits; and
- Providing automatic relief and group relief for defrauded federal student loan borrowers in certain circumstances, including following legal actions by state attorneys general.
Delaying the rules is a win for for-profit schools that provide a poor result and a loss for student loan debtors who have their futures financially damaged.
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