A decade after it was last renewed, the federal Higher Education Act took a giant step forward. On Feb. 7, the House approved its version of the reauthorization of the law — known as the College Opportunity and Affordability Act — which governs most

federal student-aid programs, by a vote of 354-58.

The vote came after an amendment to reinstate strong language embodying the so-called “Academic Bill of Rights” was turned back twice at the committee level through the efforts of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), UUP’s national affiliate. Such language, fought by both AFT and UUP for years, threatened to unleash government intervention into the classroom and trample faculty freedoms.

The House bill relaxes but does not repeal the “90/10 rule,” which requires that institutions receiving federal aid must have at least 10 percent of their income coming from nonfederal sources. A repeal would have amounted to a boon to for-profits. The House bill makes it easier on for-profits by expanding the criteria for what qualifies as nonfederal funding sources.

The House bill boosts the maximum Pell Grant to $9,000, up from $5,800, and allows students to receive the grants year-round instead of only during the academic year.

“The Higher Education Act is an extremely important piece of legislation that will make higher education more affordable and no longer just a dream for millions of low- and middle-income families,” said AFT President Edward McElroy.

Both the House and Senate bills do not include a “single definition” of a higher education institution contained in past versions of the reauthorization legislation. That provision would have allowed for-profit institutions to be eligible for additional student financial aid and other federal funding.

The Senate passed its version of the reauthorization bill last July.

The AFT will be working with members of the House and Senate to craft a conference bill that best meets the priorities of the union.

— Donald Feldstein