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Should the federal government forgive student loans?

A Deliberation Activity

Originally Written and Presented by Rachel Waltz in October 2022

DISCUSSION ENGAGEMENT NETWORK

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How Will This Work?

5 minutes of background information
25 minute small group activity:

Introductions and Opener
Tug of War Activity
Open Discussion
Closing Share-out

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Tug of War Activity Explained

Yes ———————————————————————————— No

because… because… because… because…

because… because…

because… because… because… because…

The Tug of War discussion strategy was developed by Project Zero at Harvard University.

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Tug of War Activity Example

Yes ———————————————————————————— No

School uniforms might help eliminate distractions and allow students to focus on academics more.

Uniforms can improve safety because fewer students will be bullied over clothing choices.

Uniforms eliminate the need for students to wake up early to select an outfit.

Clothing helps students express themselves. Uniforms will restrict individuality.

Uniforms might be a financial burden for some families.

It is not proven that uniforms lead to improved academic performance.

Uniforms might be uncomfortable. Students should be comfortable when they’re learning.

Even with uniforms, students still have other ways to express themselves.

Example Question: Should students have to wear school uniforms?

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Objectives

To gain a better understanding of the diverse views in our community and classroom.
To gain an opportunity to express your own views and feel listened to.
To gain a deeper understanding about the issues we discuss.

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Group Norms

Strive for collaboration.
Listen to understand.
Be curious about disagreement.

Are there any others your group should add?

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NC State University Tuition

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Average Published Tuition (1991- 2021)

Data from: The College Board

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Average Accumulated Debt

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Pell Grants

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Pell Grants vs Tuition Costs

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Biden Administration Plan

Impacts 43 million borrowers
$20,000 in debt cancellation to Pell Grant recipients.
$10,000 in debt cancellation to non-Pell Grant recipients.
Borrowers with an individual income less than $125,000 ($250, 000 for married couples) are eligible for this relief
High-income individual or households in the top 5% of incomes are not eligible
The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the action will cost $400 billion over the next 30 years and will add to the nation’s deficit.
To reduce the deficit, the government will likely reduce spending and/or raise taxes.

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Discussion Steps

Opening Share Out (3-5 min)
Tug of War Activity (5-7 min)
Open Discussion (10 min)
Closing Share Out (5 min)

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Opening Share Out

In your small group, give each participant uninterrupted time to answer the following question:

Have student loans impacted anyone you or anyone you know? Or might they in the future?

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Tug of War Activity

In your small group, work together to come up with as many “Yes” and “No” reasons for the issue question:

Should the federal government forgive student loans?

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Open Discussion

In your small group, engage in a free discussion of the question.

Think about what are the strongest reasons for the “Yes” and “No” arguments.

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Closing Share Out

In your small group, allow each participant one minute to answer the following:

“If I had to vote on this issue today, I would say ______, because ______.”