- United States
- Md.
- Letter
The recent executive order that threatens to deny public service loan forgiveness to workers at organizations supporting transgender rights or diversity initiatives is deeply concerning. This policy unfairly penalizes dedicated individuals based on partisan ideological views rather than their commitment to public service. Loan forgiveness should be extended equitably to all qualifying employees who have diligently served their communities, regardless of the particular mission or values of their organization. Denying loan forgiveness due to an organization's stance on gender identity or social justice issues sets a dangerous precedent of discriminating against certain viewpoints and marginalizing vulnerable populations. Many of the targeted organizations provide vital services and advocacy that uplift marginalized communities and further civil rights. Their employees should not face financial retaliation for supporting human rights and inclusivity. Public service workers across various sectors, including legal aid, healthcare, education, and nonprofit advocacy groups, could be impacted by this policy. Stripping loan forgiveness from these individuals, who have devoted years to serving the public good, is unethical and counterproductive. It undermines efforts to attract talented professionals to underfunded yet essential public service roles. I urge you to oppose the President's misguided executive order that politicizes the public service loan forgiveness program.
