Student Defense
@studentdefense.bsky.social
Student Defense works to advance students' rights to higher education. Get updates at http://action.defendstudents.org/updates
The Trump PSLF rule is a slap in the face to the millions of first responders, health workers, teachers, and other public servants who believed the government could be trusted to keep its word.
We just filed a lawsuit to challenge this illegal overreach!
apnews.com/article/publ...
We just filed a lawsuit to challenge this illegal overreach!
apnews.com/article/publ...
States and cities challenge Trump policy overhauling public service loan forgiveness
More than 20 Democrat-led states are challenging a new Trump administration rule designed to block nonprofit and government workers from a student loan cancellation program if federal officials conclu...
apnews.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:40 PM
The Trump PSLF rule is a slap in the face to the millions of first responders, health workers, teachers, and other public servants who believed the government could be trusted to keep its word.
We just filed a lawsuit to challenge this illegal overreach!
apnews.com/article/publ...
We just filed a lawsuit to challenge this illegal overreach!
apnews.com/article/publ...
PSLF is a lifeline for countless Americans who have dedicated their lives to service with the promise of a reprieve on their student debt.
Tomorrow, we're filing a lawsuit against ED's brazen attempt to dismantle this critical program.
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Tomorrow, we're filing a lawsuit against ED's brazen attempt to dismantle this critical program.
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Education Department sued over controversial loan forgiveness rule
Critics of the rule say the department is trying to exclude organizations that work with LGBTQ individuals, immigrants and transgender children from the program.
www.politico.com
November 4, 2025 at 12:04 AM
PSLF is a lifeline for countless Americans who have dedicated their lives to service with the promise of a reprieve on their student debt.
Tomorrow, we're filing a lawsuit against ED's brazen attempt to dismantle this critical program.
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Tomorrow, we're filing a lawsuit against ED's brazen attempt to dismantle this critical program.
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
The SHAPE AI Initiative kicked off this week with a convening of the advisory committee.
We will work hard to ensure that student protections are top of mind as more colleges partner with AI companies.
defendstudents.org/all/safeguar...
We will work hard to ensure that student protections are top of mind as more colleges partner with AI companies.
defendstudents.org/all/safeguar...
October 31, 2025 at 7:11 PM
The SHAPE AI Initiative kicked off this week with a convening of the advisory committee.
We will work hard to ensure that student protections are top of mind as more colleges partner with AI companies.
defendstudents.org/all/safeguar...
We will work hard to ensure that student protections are top of mind as more colleges partner with AI companies.
defendstudents.org/all/safeguar...
ED “is attempting to disqualify employers it says have engaged in ‘illegal activities’ and whose staff with student loans would no longer be eligible for debt cancellation.”
Student Defense told @usatoday.com: "We will file a lawsuit in the next few days and challenge this illegal overreach."
Student Defense told @usatoday.com: "We will file a lawsuit in the next few days and challenge this illegal overreach."
Trump administration drastically alters student debt relief
The Education Department is attempting to disqualify employers whose staff with student loans would no longer be eligible for debt cancellation.
www.usatoday.com
October 31, 2025 at 3:19 PM
ED “is attempting to disqualify employers it says have engaged in ‘illegal activities’ and whose staff with student loans would no longer be eligible for debt cancellation.”
Student Defense told @usatoday.com: "We will file a lawsuit in the next few days and challenge this illegal overreach."
Student Defense told @usatoday.com: "We will file a lawsuit in the next few days and challenge this illegal overreach."
NEW: The Trump Administration released its final rule on Public Service Loan Forgiveness today, barring certain public servants from PSLF based on their employers’ perceived political views.
apnews.com/article/publ...
We will see them in court!
defendstudents.org/all/student-...
apnews.com/article/publ...
We will see them in court!
defendstudents.org/all/student-...
New Trump administration rule bars student loan relief for public workers tied to 'illegal' activity
The Trump administration is forging ahead with plans to eject some nonprofits from a popular student loan forgiveness program if their work is deemed to have an “illegal purpose."
apnews.com
October 30, 2025 at 7:17 PM
NEW: The Trump Administration released its final rule on Public Service Loan Forgiveness today, barring certain public servants from PSLF based on their employers’ perceived political views.
apnews.com/article/publ...
We will see them in court!
defendstudents.org/all/student-...
apnews.com/article/publ...
We will see them in court!
defendstudents.org/all/student-...
We’re proud to be featured in a new documentary series called “Working Forward” on PBS.
@aaronament.bsky.social sheds light on how short-term coding bootcamps exploded in popularity … before the risks and problematic programs began surfacing. Watch "Unregulated" here: www.pbs.org/video/workin...
@aaronament.bsky.social sheds light on how short-term coding bootcamps exploded in popularity … before the risks and problematic programs began surfacing. Watch "Unregulated" here: www.pbs.org/video/workin...
Working Forward | Working Forward: Unregulated | Episode 4
Explore credible certification pathways that help Arizona workers learn new skills and get hired.
www.pbs.org
October 27, 2025 at 4:14 PM
We’re proud to be featured in a new documentary series called “Working Forward” on PBS.
@aaronament.bsky.social sheds light on how short-term coding bootcamps exploded in popularity … before the risks and problematic programs began surfacing. Watch "Unregulated" here: www.pbs.org/video/workin...
@aaronament.bsky.social sheds light on how short-term coding bootcamps exploded in popularity … before the risks and problematic programs began surfacing. Watch "Unregulated" here: www.pbs.org/video/workin...
Exciting news! We just launched our newly designed website.
This relaunch reflects our resolve to keep fighting – and new opportunities in a shifting landscape.
defendstudents.org
This relaunch reflects our resolve to keep fighting – and new opportunities in a shifting landscape.
defendstudents.org
October 23, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Exciting news! We just launched our newly designed website.
This relaunch reflects our resolve to keep fighting – and new opportunities in a shifting landscape.
defendstudents.org
This relaunch reflects our resolve to keep fighting – and new opportunities in a shifting landscape.
defendstudents.org
Coding bootcamps widely offered income-share agreements where students pledged a percentage of their future wages towards repaying their debt.
But too many left students with no credentials and bleak job prospects.
Watch More: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi... Courtesy: @arizonapbs.bsky.social
But too many left students with no credentials and bleak job prospects.
Watch More: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi... Courtesy: @arizonapbs.bsky.social
October 13, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Coding bootcamps widely offered income-share agreements where students pledged a percentage of their future wages towards repaying their debt.
But too many left students with no credentials and bleak job prospects.
Watch More: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi... Courtesy: @arizonapbs.bsky.social
But too many left students with no credentials and bleak job prospects.
Watch More: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi... Courtesy: @arizonapbs.bsky.social
NEWS: Student Defense is filing a new lawsuit to force the Trump Administration to disclose the extent of the use of AI in federal rule-making.
defendstudents.org/news/student...
defendstudents.org/news/student...
Student Defense Files Lawsuit to Force the Trump Administration to Disclose the Extent of the Use Artificial Intelligence in Federal Rulemaking
defendstudents.org
October 9, 2025 at 3:22 PM
NEWS: Student Defense is filing a new lawsuit to force the Trump Administration to disclose the extent of the use of AI in federal rule-making.
defendstudents.org/news/student...
defendstudents.org/news/student...
Coding bootcamps advertised quick credentials, job placement, and deferred debt repayment.
But some colleges simply outsourced their programs to third-party operators and provided none of the instruction!
Full Film: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi... Courtesy: @arizonapbs.bsky.social
But some colleges simply outsourced their programs to third-party operators and provided none of the instruction!
Full Film: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi... Courtesy: @arizonapbs.bsky.social
October 6, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Coding bootcamps advertised quick credentials, job placement, and deferred debt repayment.
But some colleges simply outsourced their programs to third-party operators and provided none of the instruction!
Full Film: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi... Courtesy: @arizonapbs.bsky.social
But some colleges simply outsourced their programs to third-party operators and provided none of the instruction!
Full Film: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi... Courtesy: @arizonapbs.bsky.social
Too many students fall victim to predatory higher ed profiteers. That's why we're working tirelessly to ensure protections for students entering short-term programs that could now be eligible for Workforce Pell Grants.
Watch more here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi... / via @arizonapbs.bsky.social
Watch more here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi... / via @arizonapbs.bsky.social
October 3, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Too many students fall victim to predatory higher ed profiteers. That's why we're working tirelessly to ensure protections for students entering short-term programs that could now be eligible for Workforce Pell Grants.
Watch more here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi... / via @arizonapbs.bsky.social
Watch more here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi... / via @arizonapbs.bsky.social
Student Defense Vice President and Chief Counsel Dan Zibel issued a statement today on the decision by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas upholding the U.S. Department of Education’s 2023 Gainful Employment Rule:
defendstudents.org/news/student...
defendstudents.org/news/student...
October 2, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Student Defense Vice President and Chief Counsel Dan Zibel issued a statement today on the decision by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas upholding the U.S. Department of Education’s 2023 Gainful Employment Rule:
defendstudents.org/news/student...
defendstudents.org/news/student...
We just launched the “Safeguarding Higher-Ed through AI Practices & Ethics (SHAPE) AI Initiative” to promote ethical, responsible, student-friendly and transparent uses of AI in higher education.
More info: www.defendstudents.org/news/student...
More info: www.defendstudents.org/news/student...
Student Defense Launches New Initiative to Develop Best Practices for AI in Higher Education
www.defendstudents.org
September 29, 2025 at 3:08 PM
We just launched the “Safeguarding Higher-Ed through AI Practices & Ethics (SHAPE) AI Initiative” to promote ethical, responsible, student-friendly and transparent uses of AI in higher education.
More info: www.defendstudents.org/news/student...
More info: www.defendstudents.org/news/student...
AI is already starting to play a transformative role in higher education.
That’s why our brand new AI initiative will tap into top experts to advise on how to best deploy responsible uses of AI in colleges and universities across the country.
www.defendstudents.org/news/student...
That’s why our brand new AI initiative will tap into top experts to advise on how to best deploy responsible uses of AI in colleges and universities across the country.
www.defendstudents.org/news/student...
September 26, 2025 at 5:51 PM
AI is already starting to play a transformative role in higher education.
That’s why our brand new AI initiative will tap into top experts to advise on how to best deploy responsible uses of AI in colleges and universities across the country.
www.defendstudents.org/news/student...
That’s why our brand new AI initiative will tap into top experts to advise on how to best deploy responsible uses of AI in colleges and universities across the country.
www.defendstudents.org/news/student...
NEWS: We just launched the SHAPE AI Initiative.
It’s a brand new effort to provide strategic guidance, policy recommendations, and educational resources that promote ethical, responsible, student-friendly, and transparent uses of AI in higher education. www.defendstudents.org/news/student...
It’s a brand new effort to provide strategic guidance, policy recommendations, and educational resources that promote ethical, responsible, student-friendly, and transparent uses of AI in higher education. www.defendstudents.org/news/student...
Student Defense Launches New Initiative to Develop Best Practices for AI in Higher Education
www.defendstudents.org
September 25, 2025 at 3:31 PM
NEWS: We just launched the SHAPE AI Initiative.
It’s a brand new effort to provide strategic guidance, policy recommendations, and educational resources that promote ethical, responsible, student-friendly, and transparent uses of AI in higher education. www.defendstudents.org/news/student...
It’s a brand new effort to provide strategic guidance, policy recommendations, and educational resources that promote ethical, responsible, student-friendly, and transparent uses of AI in higher education. www.defendstudents.org/news/student...
ICYMI: The FTC voted to dismiss its complaint over Grand Canyon’s deceptive enrollment scheme. But that’s not the end of the road for accountability.
www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-t...
www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-t...
FTC Dismisses Complaint Against Grand Canyon University
The Federal Trade Commission voted unanimously on Friday to dismiss its complaint against Grand Canyon University, Grand Canyon Education and Brian Mueller, president of GCU and CEO of GCE.
www.insidehighered.com
September 24, 2025 at 8:56 PM
ICYMI: The FTC voted to dismiss its complaint over Grand Canyon’s deceptive enrollment scheme. But that’s not the end of the road for accountability.
www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-t...
www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-t...
“Unregulated” from @pbs.org dives into the story of how short-term bootcamps came to be, and how the lack of regulations led to misleading students across the country.
Student Defense’s cases on behalf of bootcamp students are featured here: www.pbs.org/video/workin...
Student Defense’s cases on behalf of bootcamp students are featured here: www.pbs.org/video/workin...
Working Forward | Working Forward: Unregulated | Episode 4
Explore credible certification pathways that help Arizona workers learn new skills and get hired.
www.pbs.org
September 23, 2025 at 9:06 PM
“Unregulated” from @pbs.org dives into the story of how short-term bootcamps came to be, and how the lack of regulations led to misleading students across the country.
Student Defense’s cases on behalf of bootcamp students are featured here: www.pbs.org/video/workin...
Student Defense’s cases on behalf of bootcamp students are featured here: www.pbs.org/video/workin...
ICYMI: Student Defense is featured in a brand new documentary series airing on @pbsnews.org called “Working Forward.” Our work pushing for regulations surrounding short-term bootcamps is highlighted in this video:
youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi...
youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi...
youtube.com
September 17, 2025 at 6:35 PM
ICYMI: Student Defense is featured in a brand new documentary series airing on @pbsnews.org called “Working Forward.” Our work pushing for regulations surrounding short-term bootcamps is highlighted in this video:
youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi...
youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi...
Check out a brand new documentary series from @pbsnews.org featuring our litigation and work on behalf of students in short-term bootcamp programs like the Lambda School.
Watch it here: youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi...
Watch it here: youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi...
youtube.com
September 16, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Check out a brand new documentary series from @pbsnews.org featuring our litigation and work on behalf of students in short-term bootcamp programs like the Lambda School.
Watch it here: youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi...
Watch it here: youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi...
PBS has a new documentary series that focuses, in part, on short-term coding bootcamps.
Student Defense’s mission to promote accountability for these programs is highlighted, along with our cases against the Lambda School.
Watch “Unregulated” here: youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi...
Student Defense’s mission to promote accountability for these programs is highlighted, along with our cases against the Lambda School.
Watch “Unregulated” here: youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi...
youtube.com
September 11, 2025 at 7:21 PM
PBS has a new documentary series that focuses, in part, on short-term coding bootcamps.
Student Defense’s mission to promote accountability for these programs is highlighted, along with our cases against the Lambda School.
Watch “Unregulated” here: youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi...
Student Defense’s mission to promote accountability for these programs is highlighted, along with our cases against the Lambda School.
Watch “Unregulated” here: youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi...
NEW: We submitted a response to the U.S. Department of Education’s request for comment on their supplemental priorities, including “Advancing Artificial Intelligence in Education.”
www.defendstudents.org/news/Comment...
www.defendstudents.org/news/Comment...
www.defendstudents.org
September 3, 2025 at 9:35 PM
NEW: We submitted a response to the U.S. Department of Education’s request for comment on their supplemental priorities, including “Advancing Artificial Intelligence in Education.”
www.defendstudents.org/news/Comment...
www.defendstudents.org/news/Comment...
Trump’s Department of ED and FTC dropped their actions over Grand Canyon’s deceptive enrollment scheme, but that’s not the end for students.
Our RICO lawsuit against Grand Canyon will hold the company accountable.
www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-t...
Our RICO lawsuit against Grand Canyon will hold the company accountable.
www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-t...
FTC Dismisses Complaint Against Grand Canyon University
The Federal Trade Commission voted unanimously on Friday to dismiss its complaint against Grand Canyon University, Grand Canyon Education and Brian Mueller, president of GCU and CEO of GCE.
www.insidehighered.com
August 28, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Trump’s Department of ED and FTC dropped their actions over Grand Canyon’s deceptive enrollment scheme, but that’s not the end for students.
Our RICO lawsuit against Grand Canyon will hold the company accountable.
www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-t...
Our RICO lawsuit against Grand Canyon will hold the company accountable.
www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-t...
The Trump Administration is proposing changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. They would tie borrowers’ eligibility for PSLF to their employer’s policies deemed “illegal” by the administration.
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
New Dept. of Ed Rule Limits Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Student advocates and higher ed lobbyists fear the suggested changes could lead to a shortfall in employees to fill high-demand, low-wage jobs.
www.insidehighered.com
August 27, 2025 at 5:13 PM
The Trump Administration is proposing changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. They would tie borrowers’ eligibility for PSLF to their employer’s policies deemed “illegal” by the administration.
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
Student Defense submitted comments on Artificial Intelligence in Education, per ED’s request.
Our main focus is that ED ensures that inevitable AI integration comes with strong student protections and promotes fair outcomes across higher education. Read more: www.defendstudents.org/news/Comment...
Our main focus is that ED ensures that inevitable AI integration comes with strong student protections and promotes fair outcomes across higher education. Read more: www.defendstudents.org/news/Comment...
www.defendstudents.org
August 26, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Student Defense submitted comments on Artificial Intelligence in Education, per ED’s request.
Our main focus is that ED ensures that inevitable AI integration comes with strong student protections and promotes fair outcomes across higher education. Read more: www.defendstudents.org/news/Comment...
Our main focus is that ED ensures that inevitable AI integration comes with strong student protections and promotes fair outcomes across higher education. Read more: www.defendstudents.org/news/Comment...
PSLF was created by a bipartisan act of Congress and signed into law by George W. Bush.
It was a promise from the United States government to its citizens—if you give back to America, America will give back to you.
Now the Trump Admin is trying to take that away. We will see them in court.
It was a promise from the United States government to its citizens—if you give back to America, America will give back to you.
Now the Trump Admin is trying to take that away. We will see them in court.
New Dept. of Ed Rule Limits Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Student advocates and higher ed lobbyists fear the suggested changes could lead to a shortfall in employees to fill high-demand, low-wage jobs.
www.insidehighered.com
August 20, 2025 at 1:53 AM
PSLF was created by a bipartisan act of Congress and signed into law by George W. Bush.
It was a promise from the United States government to its citizens—if you give back to America, America will give back to you.
Now the Trump Admin is trying to take that away. We will see them in court.
It was a promise from the United States government to its citizens—if you give back to America, America will give back to you.
Now the Trump Admin is trying to take that away. We will see them in court.