Lewis Calls on Higher Education To Refund Fees

April 1, 2020

WOODBURY, Minn. — U.S. Senate candidate Jason Lewis released the following statement calling for all public and private universities to refund all fees, like room and board, that are unrelated to distance learning.

“Officials have ordered institutions of higher education to halt in-person instruction, yet students are still being charged for various fees not associated with online schooling. Some institutions, like Stanford University, have moved to eliminate housing and dining charges going forward, but not for past expenses families have already paid. Others closer to home, like University of Minnesota, are shortchanging students by only refunding a small percentage of the room and board.

Universities, public and private, are sitting on piles of cash. For instance, the University of Minnesota system has an estimated endowment of $3.2 billion. Private institutions are also flush with cash. Carleton College’s endowment has been valued at $800 million and Macalester’s around $750 million. At a time when we’re all tightening our belts, there’s no reason why these wealthy institutions should be charging for services not delivered–unless their lobbyists have a bigger hold on politicians than we’re told. All colleges and universities, both public and private, should immediately refund students for all fees, like room and board, that are not associated with distance learning.” 

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