As the Biden transition kicks into full gear in the coming weeks, the policy wish lists from various groups are piling up. Many have comprehensive agendas for both the incoming administration and new Congress.
Some of the recommendations for executive action from groups likely to have the Biden administration’s ear when it comes to crafting education policy:
— Prosecute for-profit college executives. Student Defense, an advocacy group, proposes the Biden Education Department more robustly use its existing legal powers to make the owners and executives of for-profit colleges personally liable for the misconduct of their institutions. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) is among the Democrats who endorse the plan.
— Cancel student loan debt. Biden faces growing pressure from progressives to provide at least $10,000 of loan forgiveness for each borrower. He endorsed the idea on the campaign trail but hasn’t said whether he would pursue debt cancellation through legislation or unilaterally. The Student Borrower Protection Center and Dēmos compiled a policy playbook that charts a path for Biden to cancel student loan debt through executive action, using existing laws.
— Issue guidance on school desegregation. The Education Trust says the next administration should help schools legally pursue desegregation. The group also wants the Education Department to revive the “supplement not supplant” rule for Title I funding the Obama administration started but dropped during its final days in office.