Education Department Staff Recommends Ending ABA's Federal Recognition for Law School Accreditation
Career staff at the U.S. Education Department have recommended ending the federal recognition of the American Bar Association's (ABA) Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar as the accreditor for law degree programs. This recommendation stems from concerns that the ABA's accreditation arm has not demonstrated the required separation from its parent organization, which engages in lobbying, litigation, and takes political stances. Federal regulations (34 CFR 602.14) require accrediting bodies to be independent, with specific criteria regarding leadership selection, public representation, and financial autonomy. The America First Policy Institute filed a complaint highlighting these issues, particularly concerning ABA Standard 303(c), which previously mandated teaching on 'bias, cross-cultural competency, and racism.' The ABA has since revised some of its diversity-related standards, including repealing Standard 206 and moving to narrow 303(c).
