March 20, 2006

Each year, American taxpayers invest tens of billions of dollars in aid to college students and funding for U.S. institutions of higher education.  More than four decades ago, when the Higher Education Act was enacted, the purpose of this hefty investment was clear: to expand college access. 

Today, faced with an increasingly competitive global economy in which postsecondary education is more necessary than ever before, ensuring that federal dollars are spent effectively and efficiently is a bottom line issue for students, parents, and taxpayers alike.  Indeed, consistent increases in college costs have made it clear that colleges and universities must remain accountable to consumers of higher education.  At the same time, students, parents, and taxpayers have the right to know that federal dollars are being invested in ways that respond to a changing marketplace, expand college access, and protect student interests.

The College Access & Opportunity Act (H.R. 609) includes a host of reforms to safeguard the interests of students and parents – and the pocketbooks of American taxpayers.  Below are the top ten reforms in H.R. 609 that protect students, parents, and taxpayers.

1.   Establishing an Academic Bill of Rights.  House Republicans, members of the higher education community, and defenders of student freedom of speech struck an accord last year to strengthen protections for student speech and association rights under the federal Higher Education Act.  The stronger protections – incorporated in an “Academic Bill of Rights” – strike a balance between ensuring students are not discriminated against because of their political or ideological perspectives, while also protecting the fundamental rights of institutions to maintain their unique character and identity.  The protections also ensure the federal government will not influence the curriculum being taught in colleges.