S.937 - No Student Loans for Campus Criminals Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.937, the "No Student Loans for Campus Criminals Act," aims to prevent individuals convicted of offenses related to protests at higher education institutions from receiving federal student loans or loan forgiveness. The bill targets individuals convicted under any federal or state law for conduct during campus protests. It affects loans made under the Higher Education Act of 1965 and the Health Education Assistance Loan Program.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would disqualify students convicted of protest-related offenses from receiving federal student loans and loan forgiveness. This could deter disruptive or illegal protest activities on college campuses. It may also create financial barriers for students who have been convicted of such offenses, potentially impacting their educational and career prospects.
Potential Benefits
- May deter illegal or violent behavior during campus protests.
- Could lead to a more orderly and respectful environment on college campuses.
- Potentially reduces the financial risk to taxpayers by limiting loan forgiveness for individuals convicted of certain offenses.
- Might encourage students to engage in more responsible and lawful forms of protest and activism.
- Could provide a sense of justice for those affected by illegal protest activities.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May disproportionately affect students from marginalized groups who are more likely to participate in protests.
- Could stifle free speech and the right to assembly on college campuses, potentially violating the First Amendment.
- May create a chilling effect on student activism and political engagement.
- Could lead to overly harsh penalties for minor offenses committed during protests.
- May exacerbate existing inequalities in access to higher education.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is questionable, particularly regarding the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of speech and assembly. While the government can regulate illegal activities during protests, this bill may be seen as an overreach that punishes protected speech. The bill could also be challenged under the Equal Protection Clause if it disproportionately affects certain groups of students. However, Congress has broad power to set the terms for federal student loans under the Spending Clause.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).