opinion | The Supreme Court shattered the American dream

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In two recent rulings – on student loans and on affirmative action – the Supreme Court has radically changed the landscape of higher education. Opinion columnist Tressie McMillan Cottom argues that for many the promise of higher education is now dead and that the country therefore needs a new vision to realize the American dream.

(A full transcript of this audio essay will be available on the Times website this afternoon.)

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This Opinion Short was produced by Jillian Weinberger. Edited by Kaari Pitkin and Allison Benedikt. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Original music by Pat McCusker and Carole Sabouraud. Fact Check by Mary Marge Locker. Audience Strategy by Kristina Samulewski.