Murray Statement on Department of Education Action to Aid Students Impacted By Corinthian Colleges Closure

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Education announcing critical debt relief for students impacted by the closure and bankruptcy of Corinthian Colleges, Inc. After documented findings of harmful and deceptive practices, such as misrepresenting job placement rates, the company announced in April that it would close its campuses, affecting more than 16,000 students.  

“With the closure and bankruptcy of Corinthian Colleges, students are facing a great deal of uncertainty about their next steps, so I’m pleased to see the Department respond to requests to provide students with the urgent support they need,” said Senator Murray. “These actions will provide critical debt relief for those dealing with student loans and limited job opportunities as a result of the company’s actions. I look forward to continuing to work with the Department to create a streamlined process for other borrowers who were victims of misleading practices to seek recourse going forward.”

Last month, Senator Murray led a group of Senators in writing a letter to Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, urging him to use the agency’s authority to provide support, relief, and guidance to the thousands of students affected by the closure and to create a simple and streamlined application process for borrowers who have been harmed.