For Immediate Release: June 30, 2023
Media contact: media@colorofchange.org 

In light of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn President Biden’s student loan forgiveness program, Rashad Robinson, President of Color Of Change, issued the following statement: 

“Today the Supreme Court made the decision to saddle millions of families, a disproportionate number of whom are Black borrowers, with insurmountable debt with no path forward toward reconciliation. 

We are now witnessing a corrupt court doubling down on discriminatory policies and practices at a moment when Black people’s economic mobility is under relentless attack, most recently marked by the reversal of affirmative action nearly 60 years after its landmark passage. At the same time, student loan servicing corporations and major financial entities took extraordinary steps, including funding lawsuits, to maintain their way of business built on a predatory operation intended to exploit Black borrowers and their families.

The Supreme Court’s decision is just the latest in an effort by the far right to undermine policies that advance equity for Black and other marginalized communities. Rampant reports of unethical and corrupt behavior from Justices Thomas and Alito have blurred the line on the court’s objectivity and legitimacy at the expense of those simply hoping to reduce overwhelming debt. 

Congress must take action to push back against the corruption that is impeding economic mobility for Black communities with this verdict and the overturning of affirmative action, and take necessary steps to expand the Supreme Court now.  Our work will also continue to be critically important —  as Color Of Change leads the charge, holding those in power accountable and protecting the will of Black voters in the lead-up to the monumental election cycle.”

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