Education Department’s public service student loan forgiveness program changes struck down

Two federal judges ruled against changes to the U.S. Department of Education’s public service student loan forgiveness program, stating the modifications exceeded the department’s authority and violated the First Amendment. The changes, based on an executive order targeting groups supporting undocumented immigrants, diversity initiatives, or gender-affirming care, were challenged by 20+ states, cities, and nonprofits. The original 2007 program aimed to incentivize public service work by forgiving loans after 10 years.