Federal Government & Administrative Affairs
What is the Presidential Action?
The President has issued an executive order aimed at reforming the higher education accreditation system. The order addresses the failure of accreditors to uphold quality standards and their involvement in promoting discriminatory practices under the guise of diversity, equity, and inclusion. It mandates a reevaluation of accreditation standards to prioritize educational quality and value, ensuring institutions focus on student outcomes and intellectual diversity without unlawful discrimination.
Background or Context with Statistics and Source References
Accreditors have significant control over which institutions receive more than $100 billion in federal student loans and grants annually. Historically, these accreditors have approved institutions that often do not meet quality educational standards, as evidenced by a 64% national six-year undergraduate graduation rate in 2020. Many programs also show a negative return on investment, burdening students with debt without improving their earning potential. The order responds to these longstanding issues and recent legal challenges to discriminatory accreditation practices.
Why This Action Was Taken
The executive order was prompted by the persistent failures of accreditation bodies to ensure educational quality and their misuse of authority to enforce discriminatory standards. This has resulted in financial and academic detriment to students and misuse of taxpayer money. Stakeholders including students, families, and taxpayers are directly affected, and there has been growing legal and political pressure to address these issues comprehensively.
Short and Long-Term Impact on People
In the short term, the order may cause upheaval as institutions and accreditors adjust to new standards. Some schools might face challenges in aligning with non-discriminatory practices. In the long term, the focus on quality and value is expected to enhance the educational outcomes of students, leading to better job prospects and less financial burden. This shift could also foster a more equitable and merit-based educational landscape.
Performance/Impact Parameters to Measure Success
Success of this presidential action will be measured by improved graduation rates, enhanced job placement statistics post-graduation, and a decrease in student debt levels. Additionally, compliance with non-discriminatory practices and the diversity of educational opportunities available to students without reference to race, ethnicity, or gender will also serve as critical indicators.
Constitutional Validity and Legal Precedents
The order stands on firm legal ground, particularly in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College, which clarified limits on discriminatory practices in education settings. Previous executive orders and judicial rulings provide a precedent for federal intervention in educational policy, especially when addressing systemic issues that affect equal access to educational resources and federal funding.
