ENDING TRANSCRIPT WITHHOLDING
One of the most harmful debt collection tactics is “transcript withholding,” where a school refuses to allow a student access to their transcript or diploma because of an outstanding debt to the school, often called an “account receivable.” Withholding a student’s transcript creates a dangerous Catch-22 for millions of borrowers—because the borrower lacks the cash needed to pay their debt, the school renders the student unable to reenroll, transfer schools, or otherwise obtain a higher paying job. And while millions of borrowers are caught in the trap of transcript withholding, this collection tactic is disproportionately favored by for-profit schools.
Transcript withholding hinders individual access to higher education and gives schools an unusual and unnecessary debt collection tool. It also hinders economic growth by holding ransom the educational achievements of these Americans.
In 2019, under the leadership of Attorney General Becerra through aggressive advocacy by the Campaign, California became the first state in the country to outlaw the practice of transcript withholding. Now, California students will not be denied access to the benefits of their education.
RESEARCH
WITHHOLDING TRANSCRIPTS: POLICY, POSSIBILITIES, AND LEGAL RECOURSE
Scholarship from Rebecca Maurer outlining the policy failures of transcript withholding as a debt collection tool.
LEGISLATION
AB 1313
Landmark legislation from Attorney General Becerra prohibiting transcript withholding.
RESEARCH
WITHHOLDING DREAMS
Why Washington Must Tie COVID Relief for Colleges to Relief for Students Burdened by Institutional Debt
TESTIMONY
SBPC FELLOW REBECCA MAURER
Testimony before the California Higher Education Committee on AB 1313
PRESS RELEASE
ANNOUNCING THE PASSAGE OF AB 1313
Attorney General Becerra and Asm. Rivas Bill to Prohibit Colleges from Withholding Transcripts as Debt Collection Tactic Signed into Law