Trump Administration Moves to Revoke ABA Law School Accreditation Power Over DEI, Governance Concerns
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Aug 21
Trump Administration Moves to Revoke ABA Law School Accreditation Power Over DEI, Governance Concerns
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Aug 21
Summary
Education Department staff recommended ending the American Bar Association’s authority to accredit standalone law schools, a status that determines whether those schools can access federal student aid.
The draft finding says the ABA failed to show its accreditor role is separate and independent from its trade-association work for lawyers and judges.
Republicans have also intensified attacks on the ABA’s diversity, equity and inclusion standards, with House Oversight Republicans arguing the group used its influence to push race-conscious policies in legal education.
An independent advisory committee is expected to review the recommendation in September before a senior Education Department official makes the final decision; the ABA said it is confident it can answer the department’s concerns.