The Draft, Student Loan Forgiveness and College Privilege

Debates over deferments and debt relief raise similar questions about education and democracy.

Journal Editorial Report: Biden's plan gets a skeptical reception from the Justices. Images: Getty Images/Shutterstock Composite: Mark Kelly

The Supreme Court is considering the fate of President Biden’s student-loan cancellation plan. The economic significance of the case is obvious: If the court holds that it is lawful, it will transfer more than $400 billion from taxpayers to student borrowers. Even more significant is the foundational question at the heart of the debate: What privileges, if any, should higher education receive in a democratic society?

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