ALBANY, N.Y. (WENY) – Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill today that that prohibits colleges from withholding a student’s transcript because of unpaid debts.
The bill makes it possible that students can access their transcript when necessary so that they can continue their education or find a job.
“Transcripts are critical for students to continue pursuing their educational and career goals,” Governor Hochul said. “To hold transcripts hostage until outstanding debts are paid is an unfair, predatory practice that prevents our students from reaching their full potential. I was proud to make ending transcript withholding a top priority and took action to end this practice at SUNY and CUNY in January. Today, we put an end to this abhorrent policy for all higher education institutions to ensure a level playing field for New York’s students.”
The tactic of withholding student transcripts or overcharging for their release has been used by some colleges in the state to leverage collection of outstanding debts.
Hochul made the proposal to end this practice in her State of the State Address earlier this year. In January, she announced that both the SUNY and CUNY boards voted to end the practice.
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