The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) is concerned about the Trump administration’s action to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. Although the closure of the Department of Education was touted as a path to achieving necessary cost savings and increasing efficiency, this measure could harm not only students, but also educators and the country’s future workforce.
The AAVMC represents the interests of more than 40,000 veterinary faculty members, academic staff, and students around the world. For nearly 14,000 veterinary medicine students, the Department of Education has managed their financial aid and student loans-federal streams of money that help students reach their potential. If lending returns to the private loan market, student debt could escalate quickly and have lasting impacts for young professionals. This change could also have an adverse impact on the veterinary medical profession’s ability to serve societal needs as prospective students consider investments in their education.
This closure could have far-reaching effects for veterinary medical colleges in particular and colleges and universities in general. In addition to dismantling the department’s role in financial aid programs, it could limit enforcement of discrimination laws, freeze students’ federal grants, and dismantle the US system of accreditation that ensures high-quality education.
The AAVMC remains deeply concerned about the future of college financial aid, student loans, and repayment options for veterinary medicine students and graduates. We will continue to advocate for the full protections for all veterinary medicine students and educators against any actions that could negatively impact the academic veterinary medical community and its ability to advance our nation’s animal and human health.
NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: To schedule an interview with a member of the AAVMC team, contact AAVMC Media Relations. Find more news in our Newsroom.
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About AAVMC
The member institutions of the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) promote and protect the health and well-being of people, animals, and the environment by advancing the profession of veterinary medicine and preparing new generations of veterinarians to meet the evolving needs of a changing world. Founded in 1966, the AAVMC represents more than 40,000 faculty, staff, and students across the global academic veterinary medical community. Our member institutions include Council on Education (COE) accredited veterinary medical colleges and schools in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as departments of veterinary science and departments of comparative medicine in the U.S.
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