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Proposed BDR Regulations Don’t Support Veterans

Last week Centurion Military Alliance filed comments in response to the latest Department of Education’s proposed changes to the Borrower Defense to Repayment (BDR) Rule. The new rule lowers the burden of proof for loan forgiveness to such an extent that it makes the college benefit earned by veterans essentially afforded to any student opportunistic enough to file a claim.

As we note in our comment:

Centurion Military Alliance’s (CMA) work as a nonprofit provides veterans with support and services as they transition from a military commitment back to civilian sector. CMA is closely involved with helping veterans find a university, college, or trade school that meets their personalized needs and moves them closer to achieving their goals which align with their financial needs.

While the purpose and intent of the BDR is important in protecting students who invest in their education from fraudulent or misleading acts by their schools, this new rule drastically changes that original purpose and intent. This movement by the Department of Education essentially gives any student full loan relief without the burden of proving harm by their institution.

The stakes are too high to let this rule stand without first addressing these concerns over allowing anyone, regardless of harm, to receive broad loan forgiveness.