WASHINGTON D.C. – Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) has issued a stern call to the U.S. Department of Education, demanding immediate action to protect students impacted by the impending closure of two for-profit colleges: [Insert Name of College 1] and [Insert Name of College 2].

The senator, a longtime advocate for student borrowers and a vocal critic of predatory for-profit institutions, expressed deep concern for the thousands of students left in the lurch by the sudden announcements.

“This is a devastating situation for these students, who have invested their time, money, and hopes in an education that is now abruptly unavailable,” Durbin stated in a press release. “The Education Department must act swiftly and decisively to ensure these students are not left holding the bag for the irresponsible actions of these institutions.”

[Insert Name of College 1] and [Insert Name of College 2] are facing financial troubles and have announced their intention to close their doors within the next few months. The closures will leave thousands of students unable to complete their programs, jeopardizing their future career prospects and potentially saddling them with student loan debt without the degree they were promised.

Durbin specifically called on the Department of Education to:

Immediately initiate a full investigation into the financial practices and operations of the two colleges. This investigation should aim to determine if any wrongdoing contributed to the closures and hold those responsible accountable.

Provide immediate support to students affected by the closures. This support should include guidance on transferring credits, accessing available resources, and exploring options for loan forgiveness.

Ensure that students are not left with unmanageable student loan debt. The Department should consider options like loan forgiveness or discharge for students who are unable to complete their programs due to the closures.

“We cannot allow these for-profit colleges to simply disappear, leaving students to deal with the fallout on their own,” Durbin emphasized. “The Department of Education must step in and act as a guardian for these students, protecting their futures and ensuring they have the opportunity to achieve their educational goals.”

The senator’s call for action comes amidst mounting criticism of the for-profit college sector, which has been repeatedly accused of predatory practices and leaving students with burdensome debt and little to show for it. Durbin’s intervention highlights the ongoing fight to protect students from exploitation and ensure that higher education remains a path to opportunity, not a gateway to financial ruin.

[Insert additional information about the colleges, specific student impacts, or any ongoing legal proceedings related to the closures.]