Betsy DeVos is being sued by 18 states for siding with ‘predatory schools’ over students

In response to her failure to implement regulations meant to protect students who owe money on student loans from being defrauded by their schools, 18 states and the District of Columbia are suing education secretary Betsy DeVosPOLITICO reports.

The lawsuit accuses DeVos of illegally delaying the regulations which target “predatory colleges.” The Administrative Procedures Act was put in place by the Obama administration and was set to take effect on July 1.

From POLITICO:

The rules, known as “borrower defense to repayment,” are aimed at making it easier for defrauded student loan borrowers to seek debt forgiveness. They also prohibit colleges from requiring students to resolve complaints against their school through arbitration rather than in court.

The Trump administration last month delayed implementation of the rules, citing a legal challenge by a California association representing for-profit colleges. DeVos said at the time the rule created “a muddled process that’s unfair to students and schools, and puts taxpayers on the hook for significant costs.” The Education Department has said it will begin a process to rewrite the rules later this year.

“Since day one, Secretary DeVos has sided with for-profit school executives against students and families drowning in unaffordable student loans,” Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said in a statement. “Her decision to cancel vital protections for students and taxpayers is a betrayal of her office’s responsibility and a violation of federal law.”

Featured image: Gage Skidmore (Flickr)

Sky Palma

Before launching DeadState back in 2012, Sky Palma has been blogging about politics, social issues and religion for over a decade. He lives in Los Angeles and also enjoys Brazilian jiu jitsu, chess, music and art.