Education Committee to question Universities Minister on discrimination in universities, reforms to the student loan system and several other key issues
The Education Committee will hold a one-off session with Michelle Donelan, Minister of State for Higher and Further Education. She is expected to answer questions on a range of issues including the Government reforms to student financing.
Likely areas of questioning
The Committee may consider how these reforms will benefit students while ensuring higher repayments and how to ensure that minimum grade requirements do not disproportionately impact disadvantaged students. Alternative Student Finance, a loan model designed to be compatible with Islamic finance, is also expected to be discussed.
MPs are also likely to ask how the Department for Education plans to address discrimination in universities. Questions may cover the Department’s decision to disengage with the NUS over antisemitism allegations and reports that hundreds of students face racial harassment at universities.