The following is a June 30 statement from The American Institute of Architects voicing its concern over the United States Supreme Court’s ruling on student loan forgiveness.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is concerned that the Supreme Court’s ruling on student loan forgiveness in Biden v. Nebraska will create an inequitable financial burden for many of our members. It will likely make it even harder for those from economically challenged backgrounds to become architects and design professionals and may even force others to leave the profession for financial reasons.
To become an architect, it takes on average 13 years to complete the path to licensure, and through AIA’s own research of its membership’s student debt, it is clear student loan debt disproportionately impacts people differently based on age, race and gender.
The AIA believes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging enriches not only architects and design professionals, but also the entire world through the built environment they design. Protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public is vital to the role that architects play in shaping our collective future. The AIA is committed to supporting a diverse profession that reflects the communities being served. Thus, equitable access to the profession is essential.
The AIA will continue to work with other similar organizations like the American Bar Association and American Medical Association, advocating not just for student loan forgiveness, but also to lower the overall cost of attending our nation’s colleges and universities.
Further, the AIA continues to support other forms of tuition assistance programs or debt repayment options available today and in the future.