“An accessible overview that combines history, politics, and data with stories of lived experience, this is an excellent, if sobering read. . . . A profoundly moving, well-researched examination of a uniquely American crisis."
—Library Journal, starred review

"As the student-debt crisis continues to persist, many will find this book insightful, well researched, and easy to read. It will appeal to those interested in civil rights and college admissions and to parents and students who are navigating the cost and decisions regarding higher education."
—Booklist

“Student debt is a crisis that unites large swaths of the American public across axes of race, class, and gender. Jamal Watson’s brilliant book The Student Debt Crisis is both timely and necessary. One of America’s leading public intellectuals delivers an analytical history of this pressing issue while offering an impassioned plea for relief of debt that crushes the future of millions of citizens. This compelling and cogent moral argument for national assistance to vulnerable members of our society should be read by all — but especially by politicians who hold the purse strings and public-policy makers who put their visions into action.”
—Michael Eric Dyson, University Distinguished Professor of African American and Diaspora Studies, Vanderbilt University  

“If you’re looking for a compelling and comprehensive book on student loan debt, then look no further. Watson has written a groundbreaking book, sharing policy, data, and real stories, that persuasively calls for action, especially around racial justice. He calls for an end to blaming the victim and makes the case that college is one American dream that students should not be penalized with extraordinary fiscal debt for pursuing. Watson offers moral, practical, doable recommendations to support and honor those seeking a college degree. A must-read from beginning to end.” 
—Donna Y. Ford, Distinguished Professor of Education and Human Ecology, The Ohio State University  

“Jamal Watson’s The Student Debt Crisis is both a brilliant call to arms regarding one of the pressing civil rights issues of the era and an insightful and urgent moral plea to reimagine the possibility and promise of American democracy. An excellent and invigorating read.”
—Dr. Peniel E. Joseph, author of The Sword and the Shield and The Third Reconstruction, among other books, and founding director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy at University of Texas at Austin 

“Jamal Watson has written a superb and courageous book on a crucial yet overlooked Issue: student debt. His visionary scholarship continues to matter!” 
—Cornel West, author of Race Matters, and the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Professor of Philosophy & Christian Practice at Union Theological Seminary  

National and online publicity campaign targeting news media and higher-education media

Social media and digital campaign targeting borrowers and debtors, college students, educators, and those interested in social justice

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