A post from the Occupy Student Debt crew:
Predatory student lending got you down? Start a petition.
You’re not alone. Since 1999, student debt has increased by 511%, eclipsed credit card debt, and will soon exceed $1 Trillion. But intense lobbying has stripped away basic consumer rights and bankruptcy protection for student loans, subjecting borrowers such as Stef Gray to exploding interest rates, questionable fees, delinquencies, and default.
Like so many other recent graduates today, Stef Gray has been unable to find full-time work since graduating and faces a mound of private student loan debt. Sallie Mae gave her two options in order to avoid default: 1.) make her exorbitant monthly payments, or 2.) Pay hundreds of dollars in “forbearance fees” every three months (none of which would be applied to her interest or principal). But Stef is now changing the game by directly petitioning Sallie Mae to stop charging the forbearance fee - and thousands of people have joined her petition on Change.org. You can start a petition to make a change, too.
A petition can be a powerful tool for changing the unfair student loan system. Some petitions ask private lenders like Sallie Mae or major banks like Wells Fargo and Chase to create an income-based repayment plan that the borrower can afford. Others ask these lenders to forgive the debt of a student who has become disabled or died. Or, lenders often engage in collections practices like calling at all hours of the day and night, and petitions to stop calling can be an effective tool. And, if a loan company has lied to you, and you have documented proof, a petition will make these illegal practices public.
Whatever is happening to you in your student loan, think about what specific action the loan company could take to do the right thing. Your story and experience are powerful!
If you, or someone you know, has been the victim of predatory lending practices with respect to student loans, here are some helpful resources to help you fight back:
1.) Get help! At least one out of five borrowers default on their student loans. Groups such as Student Loan Justice, Forgive Student Loan Debt, and Occupy Student Debt are just a few grassroots organizations mobilizing to shift the balance of power. You should also visit The Project on Student Debt, FinAid.org, Demos.org, Student Loan Borrower’s Assistance, and the Office of the Ombudsman.
2.) Keep meticulous records of all communication with your lender. Start with using a call log including the date and time you called, who you spoke with, how long you were on hold, and detailed notes about your conversation. (Stef Gray made a video of her conversation with Sallie Mae.) Keep any documents on file, too. The more evidence you have to back-up your claims, the easier to prove your case and build support. Be sure to keep copies of your promissory notes, all statements of your accounts, and any other documentation regarding your loans.
3.) Start a petition on Change.org. Below are steps for creating a petition to your student lender:
- Find out who is a decision-maker at the bank, lender, or collection agency. (This person will most likely be the target of the petition.)
4.) Connect with local groups to build your campaign. Many organizations are working on cases like yours. Look for groups like Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition (state-based group) and U.S. PIRG (national network of groups) to help you with arranging a meeting with an elected official, pitching your story to the media, and advocating for state legislation to help student borrowers fight back.
Remember, you’re not alone. By taking a stand, you’re helping shine a light on the unfair practices of big banks and student lenders everywhere.
Now, go start your petition!
