A pair of federal judges struck down a Trump administration overhaul of a public service forgiveness program for student loans, ruling in favor of advocates who said the program risked becoming a tool for political retribution.

Background

The Trump administration had moved to add new eligibility rules that would strip the benefit from workers whose employers are deemed to have a “substantial illegal purpose.” The overhaul targeted nonprofits and government organizations that support causes at odds with the Trump administration’s priorities.

Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent said the department was evaluating next steps. “The Department stands behind this commonsense policy to ensure that taxpayer dollars are never used to subsidize illegal activities,” Kent said in a written statement.

Reaction

Nonprofits and government groups said the overhaul undercut an important benefit that helped attract college graduates to jobs that traditionally pay less than the private sector. “This decision is a win for the communities that depend on local nonprofits and for the workers who serve them,” said Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits.

One of the plaintiffs in the Washington case, Student Defense, said the judge’s ruling is a victory for student loan borrowers. “Public servants should not have to worry that the federal government will punish them because of their employer’s mission or perceived political views,” said Aaron Ament, Student Defense’s president.

Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.