Congressman Mike Turner (R-OH-10) is the first Republican to support the Examining Educational Redlining in Lending Act, which was recently introduced by Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-OH-11). The Examining Educational Redlining in Lending Act addresses a February report from the Student Borrower Protection Center that found some financial service firms may be engaging in educational redlining by placing higher borrowing costs on students who attend historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and community colleges.

“Under no circumstances should someone’s borrowing rate be higher because they attend a school that primarily serves minorities,” said Turner. “It is critical that the CFPB investigates the allegations of educational redlining. I will continue to support our HBCU and community college students by challenging discriminations such as this.”

“It is concerning that lenders may factor in where borrowers attend college or their fields of study when making credit determinations,” said Fudge. “No borrower should be treated differently because they attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), like Central State University, Minority Serving Institution, or community college,” said Rep. Fudge. “To do so will likely have a disparate impact on people of color and could violate fair-lending laws. I thank Congressman Turner for supporting the Examining Educational Redlining in Lending Act, which represents an important first step towards examining discriminatory lending practices, protecting borrowers and ensuring higher education remains a driver of opportunity and not a barrier to financial services.”

“Central State University students and families already face significant financial challenges and costs to attend college,” said Dr. Jack Thomas, President of Central State University in Turner’s district. “We support Representative Fudge and Representative Turner’s efforts to curb ‘redlining’ of any HBCU student loans that would add to the burdens our students may face in attempting to successfully complete their educational experience at an HBCU. Fair and equitable loans are a must for our students at Central State University.”

“A community college education is one of the most valuable investments that any American can make,” said Dr. Steve Johnson, President and CEO of Sinclair Community College in Turner’s district. “Any penalty or premium charged to any student by any loan provider on the basis of attending a community college is just plain wrong. We appreciate Congressman Turner’s bipartisan support for this legislation and for other common sense policies that will help Sinclair Community College’s students and families to invest in themselves and their future.”

“The Wilberforce University community wishes to express our thanks and appreciation to Representative Marcia L. Fudge and Representative Joyce Beatty for introducing and supporting The Examining Educational Redlining in Lending Act,” said Dr. Elfred Anthony Pinkard, President of Wilberforce University in Turner’s district. “This legislation will significantly level-set for African American students seeking support to finance their higher education and will eliminate the disadvantage historically connected to their attendance at an HBCU. This is an important inflection point for HBCUs and the students we serve as an awakened focus on these institutions and their tremendous impact is being recognized. We applaud the diligence and foresight of Representatives Fudge and Beatty and the early support of Representative Turner and all those who will support the passage of this legislation as a powerful affirmation for equitable access to higher education for all students. The principles and values of this great nation are on full display when all of its citizens can benefit equally for all that is available for their full development as human beings.”

The Examining Educational Redlining in Lending aims to investigate the “educational redlining” by:

  • Asking the CFPB to assess the use of educational data by consumer lenders in their businesses
  • Requiring the CFPB create a public report on their findings
  • Submitting that report to Congress.

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