Executive Order on Accreditation Reform

The article discusses a new executive order issued by the President aimed at reforming the accreditation process for higher education institutions in the United States. It raises concerns about current accreditation practices that are seen as prioritizing discriminatory ideologies over educational quality. The order emphasizes the need for accreditors to focus on student outcomes and includes measures to hold them accountable for unlawful actions, ensuring that federal funding is directed to institutions that maintain educational quality without discrimination.

The executive order addresses issues related to the approval of low-quality institutions by accreditors and the negative return on investment for many graduates. It highlights that a significant percentage of accredited programs do not provide adequate value for the costs incurred by students, leading to substantial debt. Furthermore, the order seeks to eliminate accreditation standards that impose unlawful discrimination under the pretext of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, which have faced criticism for violating federal laws.

Additionally, the order proposes new principles for accreditation that prioritize high-quality academic programs and support intellectual diversity among faculty. It establishes a framework for the Secretary of Education to improve accountability among accreditors and encourages the recognition of new accrediting bodies to promote competition. Ultimately, the initiative aims to realign accreditation practices with the goal of enhancing educational outcomes for students and ensuring that public funds are used effectively.

Original: article