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TLDR: Biden’s Loan Forgiveness Program - A Timeline

Earlier this fall, President Biden announced a plan for his administration to cancel student loan debt; helping low- and middle-income families bridge the gap to a higher education. The application for the loan forgiveness program opened mid-October and collected over 26 million applicants before the Department of Education announced the program's halt in mid-November. Due to a U.S. District Court judge in Texas (yeehaw), Mark Pittman, blocked the forgiveness plan, claiming it’s an "unconstitutional exercise of Congress’s legislative power and must be vacated." Fancy words and titles aside, the ban was made possible by a lawsuit filed by two college grads who didn’t qualify for the program… That evening, the White House filed an appeal. All in a day's work! (November 10th btw)!

There seems to be a big kerfuffle on the validity of student loan forgiveness, and I have had the interesting position of being a low-income journalism student who automatically qualified for the full $20K. In layman’s terms- I’ve spent the semester studying and analyzing a program that directly affects me, and boy oh boy do people have opinions! But I was surprised to find that a lot of people also don’t have opinions. Like straight up don’t care; doesn’t affect them- which is pretty aspiring in some sense. Plus, this sh*t is confusing. Am I paying? Am I not? When do I pay? Who do I pay? Why is it becoming a class war?

The cost of attending college has skyrocketed since the 80’s, nearly tripling in price. But news flash! Federal support hasn’t kept up with this increase in price and inflation. This leaves many low- and middle-income students with no other option than to take out loans, and the effects of debt can be crushing for many borrowers. The current cumulative federal student loan debt is at $1.6 trillion and rising. With over 45 million borrowers, the burden of money is still a hard issue for Americans to come to agreement with. The only thing that is certain is the extended pause on loan repayment- essentially a move made to delay the decision on the future of the SLF program. Payments are scheduled to resume by June 30, 2023 or 60 days after the Department of Education is permitted to implement the relief -or- the litigation is resolved… Whichever comes first.

How much will we have to lose in the pursuit of the American dream?

More Info on Debt Relief

CROWDSOURCED: Opinions From Online

"Screw student loans. My parents just finished paying theirs off right after *I* graduated (thankfully debt free). College should not be that expensive, especially now that it's expected for everyone to at bare minimum have a bachelor's degree to get a job that probably only pays an average of $15 an hour (my first job out of college did). There's much less of a benefit to sign your life away paying for a college education that won't give you a job to pay it back. We need debt forgiveness because the system is exploitative and broken. People should be free from this burden to invest in a better life for themselves rather than be punished for wanting an education. We need college to be affordable and accessible. Disappointing that even a comparatively small amount of 20k (since most student loans are waaaaay more) is already being challenged, they want to keep people down." -Megan Hilliard

"As a grad with no debt, I think everyone should have the lack of worries surrounding college that I did. My finances aren’t forever impacted by me getting the same degree that, in many cases, my friends can’t manage to pay off with it because the job market in this field is so trash here and the college doesn’t give a shit. Also halting this already pretty weak ass assistance for millions of people because some banks might be slightly “hurt” as a result of it really speaks to who actually matters most in this country. I think the forgiveness was a good move but doesn’t fix the problem on the colleges’ end or the employers who demand unaffordable degrees for a job that’ll maybe get you out of poverty" -Nathan Mitchell

"I have already graduated and am debt free so here’s my take: just because someone else is getting some $$$ back does not bother me in the slightest, if anything it’s nice to see other ppl have opportunity to have debt be cleared and they can sooner live the life they want instead of being held back by monthly payments. Higher Ed should be free nationally and education loses its value the more it depends on society being able to afford it!!!!! Why offer to only pay some of the loans when education is WAY more than $20k? Not including sky rocketing rents in college apartments/student living and the rise in textbooks/school supplies. That seems like a bullshit cop out like @mellow.js said and at this point make college free and the debate is over" -Callie Gleaton

"If they are so upset about student loan forgiveness let’s make everyone who took out a PPP Loan during the pandemic (who got it fully forgiven not just partially forgiven) pay back that with interest and see who is laughing now." -Emily Quinn Potter

"Don’t see why they would almost promise it just to potentially take it away. It just creates false hope for people who are struggling when the decision lies on people it doesn’t even effect." -Jake Pickle

"Honestly is disappointing. Feels like most policies dedicated to helping those in need financially are literally just bait for politicians. Until they stop making BANK off of institutions idk if we will ever have affordable higher education :/" -Clayton

"I personally think it’s was crappy that they pushed something out like it was already approved and good to go… just for them to kinda turn around and be like oh yikes.. it’s not really working out 🤷🏾‍♀️. Overall I think it’s a good idea but I agree the 20k is a cop out.. student loans are so much more. Make college free and really help people be successful and debt free." -Mickaela Harris

"Student loans should be forgiven 100% and $20k seems like a cop out, it's insane to me that free education is such a heated debate! People should be allowed to further their education without fear of going into crippling debt and we should demand more" -Cat Lee

"The availability of student loans makes it easy for colleges to charge exorbitant rates, subsidizes expensive housing and meal plans. It makes money on the backs of students who don’t have other choices and builds wealth for universities and their endowment funds, sports franchises, and infrastructure. Then it ties those loans to people forever-they aren’t dischargeable in bankruptcy, lenders can easily access your tax returns or other windfalls, etc. It accelerates a cycle of exploitation for people, a revenue generating commodity (even “non-profit” state schools) thinly guises as helping students reach their potential. 20k was a cop out, but the ridiculous pushback on even this amount from people who were all too willing to forgive all sorts of other types of loans is telling." -@Jennifergster

"hey Becca I think the loan forgiveness program is good if done well. The debt has been prolonged for over two years due to covid. I dont see a problem with it all being canceled. I've got 20,000 in loans which isn't as much as other people I know. However it would benefit those that have way more than me." -Jared O'Dowd

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Biden-Harris Administration's Student Loan Debt Relief Plan

The day we’ve all been waiting for has arrived: the beginning of the end of student loan debt. The current stats reveal a whopping $1.6 trillion debt– owed by about 43 million borrowers, according to Forbes. A quick Google search shows that students currently have until Dec. 31, 2023 to apply for loan forgiveness up to $20,000. This was a promise made by President Biden on the campaign trail and since taking office – now two years into his term, he's finally made (some) way.

“My commitment was if elected president, I was going to make government work to deliver for the people. This rollout keeps that commitment,” Biden said at a press event. “Just as I am keeping my commitment to relieve student debt as borrowers recover from this economic crisis caused by the once-in-a-lifetime pandemic.”

There's still a lot of questions left unanswered and tensions remain high surrounding public attitude, but what does this mean for America? More importantly, is it a good idea? Crowdsourcing from various platforms, I was able to gather opinions from multiple perspectives.

Robyn's Interview

"I'm really happy that it's happening. I think it's important. I think that it's too late, frankly, because I think that a lot of the people who were most affected were like, the people who went to college, the generation before us, I think millennials were the most affected. Like I I don't think that anyone should have to pay for college- I think that Gen. Z has a much better handle on it because of what Millennials went through. I think that if ideally what would have happened is Millennials would have gotten complete loan forgiveness and then we would have a different college system. But I'm still glad it's happening." -Robyn Key

"I think it will provide a great material relief for students." -Andy Satterfield

"My first reaction was a combination of surprise, relief, and skepticism. I appreciate the extra hand in overcoming this financial burden. I think it provides myself and others an opportunity to find a better financial footing in a time of uncertainty. It’s more in my pocket every month to spend on the necessities or to put toward my future. Although, I understand the concerns expressed by some who see it as a subsidy for a privileged class (as in, the college-educated); the relief is accompanied by a sense of guilt. Also, on first hearing of the executive order, I was a bit skeptical. Prima facie, I question its legality." -Ben Earles

"I’d rather have debt free Americans than a few more hi-tech bombs." -Jamie Pritchett

"It’s bad. Breeds lazy and lack of accountability. Take down the interest rate, sure but if you borrow you should pay back. Forgive my mortgage next" -@acuratruths

"I don't have much of an opinion. I'd say it's good thing!" -Breana Maokosy

"Just cap interest at 1.5% enough to cover cost. That would do wonders. Make it 0% for the first 5-years and then 1.5% for the rest. If they eliminated/reduced interest people could actually pay these things off." -u/Flymia

"Why should everyone have to go to school to get good money but also pay money they don’t have to go to school? Make it make sense. Student loan forgiveness is a bandaid on a larger issue but a step in the right direction." -Jack Cervantes

"Oh I don't really have an opinion. It doesn't affect me- but it's a good thing I guess!" -Chloe Smith

"Well my student loans are private through my credit card company so mine will never get forgiven anyways lol" -@kayla_coulston_

CROWDSOURCED: Opinions from Online

How do you feel about UNT's surveillance over students' social media accounts?

"They have a right to monitor a public account that mentions the university as it's a reflection of their brand, but ultimately students should also have the right to lead their own personal lives. Morally gray if different posts are brought to the university via a third party." -Monica Bumpass

"I think that they can check your social media by overt means. Anything covert seems suspicious and possibly malintended. And the fact that almost every modern electronic device has sensors that collect and then store your data to warehouses to be stored and possibly sold means that the school social media surveillance is just another bump in the cracked and gutted road of privacy." -Kyler Young

"Literally no reason for it, University should be focused on education duhhhhh" -Bella Riffle

"They would be bored honestly but not cool" -Amanda P.

"They've admitted to surveying mine years ago lol" - Bryce D.

Voices from the Union - How do you feel about UNT's surveillance over students' social media accounts?

"If that's publicly accessible.. I guess they kind of have a right to- at the end of the day. Whether that's a good thing or bad thing.. Who's to say?" -Natalie White-Chapman

"I honestly wouldn't be surprised because I mean, I feel like anytime you're hooked up to like a Wi Fi, someone's got access to information so I definitely don't love the idea of it but not surprising." -Rebecca Brendemuehl

Profile Story

They're here and they're queer: Get a quick look into the new Denton based zine "aimed to uplift community and provide a safe space for people of all sexuality, gender and racial identities." They are self-published media with members scattered around DFW.

AngelK1nkz was created earlier this year with a goal of creating an avenue for local queer and bipoc artists. I had the pleasure of meeting with Phlegm Penelope Stolinsky, AngelK1nkz’ Art Director / Illustrator. Phlegm designed the main logo that the zine currently uses, and she couldn’t be more proud. They love being a part of a community that is passionate and doesn’t give a fuck about what you think! AngelK1nkz released their first edition this month, “Otherworldly and Terrible.”

“In our first issue, we highlight what love/loss and abuse/triumph is, and how we, as LGBTQ+ and bipoc, have experienced this duality in our lives” -AngelK1nkz

Video Interview

Humans of Denton

Meet Jack Cervantes - He's an administrative specialist at printing and distribution solutions for UNT, and he also helps run the student operated print shop, Eagle Images. He attended the University of North Texas from 2017 to 2021, graduating with a B.A. in Studio Art and Printmaking. He's currently living out his days in Denton as a Dentonite- but he hopes for a change in scenery within these next few years.

"Denton is a bit of a mixed bag- we've got some good community events, like there's a lot of good art markets and stuff. It's really enjoyable just bumming around, spending money on little goofy drawings. I really like Flat Earth man. He's so funny. He's so committed to the bit and I gotta respect it." -Jack Cervantes

Jack was born in Austin Texas, then relocated to Germany and eventually Kansas. He then moved to Waco, Texas in the fourth grade and stayed until graduation. He considers himself a Denton local as he's made this city home these past few years.

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Created with an image by 昊周 - "Outdoor sky sunset clouds landscape"