Congressional reauthorizations are opportunities to improve on current law. This next reauthorization of the HEA could accomplish that by addressing the significant changes in American higher education since the law was last reauthorized in 2008.
While we appreciate the effort to address these changes, the proposed legislation represents a step backwards on access and quality because it eliminates important student benefits and undermines accountability. Students and the nation need more of both.
We pledge to work with the committee in what we hope will be a deliberative process to reauthorize the HEA.
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AASCU is
a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association of 400 public
colleges, universities, and systems whose members share a learning- and
teaching-centered culture, a historic commitment to underserved student
populations, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances
their regions’ economic progress and cultural development. These are
institutions Delivering America’s Promise of Opportunities for All.