Hispanic State Legislators Concerned over Potential Reduced Hispanic Opportunity for Higher Education

'Gainful Employment' rule may stifle access for minority, underserved populations

WASHINGTON, July 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL), today released its statement in reaction to the US Department of Education's Proposed Rules governing gainful employment. NHCSL members, mindful of the need for educational options for all students, call for further study of the rule's detrimental effect on Hispanic students. On behalf of the National Caucus of Hispanic State Legislators, Illinois State Senator Iris Y. Martinez made the following statement:

"The Department of Education's just-released proposal for a "Gainful Employment" rule is concerning, in its potential to cause career-focused, driven students to lose out on educational opportunities from ineligibility for Title IV financial aid. Through the proposed rule, access to college for minority students in this country may, in fact, shrink, rather than expand.

We join in Secretary Duncan's recent statements calling for careful consideration of the good actors in the private higher education marketplace – and for development of a policy that weeds out those under serving already vulnerable students. We fear the current rule may be overbroad, and, in making up to 55% of private programs ineligible for aid, may have unintended, harmful consequences."

Recently, the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) passed a resolution calling for the Department of Education to reconsider the Gainful Employment policy. NHCSL members are deeply sensitive to the need for universal access to college and opportunities for success. Therefore, members ask the Department of Education to carefully consider the adverse consequences the proposed rule would have on a student's opportunities for education.

About NHSCL

The NHCSL is the premier national association of Hispanic state legislators working to design and implement policies and procedures that will improve the quality of life for Hispanics throughout the country. NHCSL was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3 with the mission to be the most effective voice for the more than 300 Hispanic legislators. For more information visit www.nhcsl.org.

SOURCE National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators

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