The Dig Student Debt w/ Ryann Liebenthal, Chenjerai Kumanyika, Mike Pierce
Jun 17, 2025
Astra Taylor hosts a thought-provoking discussion with Ryann Liebenthal, a passionate advocate on student debt, Chenjerai Kumanyika, a seasoned journalist and professor, and Mike Pierce, the executive director tackling predatory lending. They delve into the origins and transformation of student debt in the U.S. and critique the shortcomings of current political responses. The conversation sheds light on the emotional toll of debt, the failures of for-profit colleges, and emphasizes the urgent need for systemic reforms and collective action to reshape higher education.
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Higher Ed's Broader Labour Reality
- Higher education includes precarious labor beyond elite professors, including contingent faculty and staff.
- Universities connect to communities through diverse workers, influencing their broader social impact.
Education Shifted to Workforce Tool
- The purpose of higher education shifted from elite molding to workforce preparation.
- Education's worth is increasingly judged by economic return rather than intrinsic value.
Decentralized Education Oversight Issues
- The U.S. lacks a centralized education authority leading to a hybrid accreditation and licensure system.
- This decentralized system enables fraud and corruption among educational institutions and accreditors.