News Summary
Florida has collaborated with several states to create the Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE), a new accrediting agency aimed at reforming the current higher education accreditation system. Governor Ron DeSantis has criticized the existing system for being an ‘accreditation cartel’ and emphasized the need for an accreditation process focused on measurable student outcomes rather than political agendas. This initiative seeks to enhance institutional efficiency and academic freedom while addressing concerns related to diversity, equity, and inclusion standards that have become contentious in recent years.
Tallahassee, Florida – Florida is joining forces with several other states to establish a new accrediting agency aimed at challenging the existing higher education accreditation system, which Governor Ron DeSantis has criticized as an “accreditation cartel.” This development follows increasing concern over current accreditation standards, particularly those involving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that critics assert detract from the primary focus on education.
The new accrediting body, called the Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE), includes public university systems from Florida, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. This collaboration aims to create a more favorable accreditation process that emphasizes measurable student achievement and outcomes, contrasting with the traditional focus on inputs and processes. DeSantis and Florida Chancellor Ray Rodrigues have emphasized that the new approach seeks to alleviate financial barriers associated with accreditation and enhance institutional efficiency.
The U.S. Department of Education must recognize any accrediting agency for institutions to qualify for federal financial aid. To gain this recognition, accreditors must apply, demonstrate compliance with federal standards, and operate for a minimum of two years. To expedite the recognition process, leaders from the CPHE are collaborating with the Trump administration’s Department of Education, hoping to secure a “trial run” that could verify the new standards and attract further participation from other states.
This initiative comes in the wake of Florida’s recent legal challenges regarding accreditation. In 2023, the state filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education, contesting the legal authority of existing accreditation requirements, but a federal judge dismissed the case. Florida is currently appealing this decision. The dissatisfaction with accreditation standards in Florida has pushed state officials to pursue reform, viewing it as essential for advancing academic freedom and innovation in higher education.
Governor DeSantis has been vocal about his concerns regarding the influence of DEI programs, arguing that these standards have shifted the focus of education towards ideological indoctrination. He asserts that current accreditors have pressured Florida colleges into compliance with DEI initiatives, despite state laws that prohibit funding for such programs. This perception of external control has motivated the state to take bold steps toward creating a new framework for academic evaluation.
The formation of the CPHE is positioned not only as a solution for Florida but also as a potentially influential model for other states, particularly those with conservative leadership, that share similar frustrations with the traditional accreditation system. By streamlining the accreditation process and reducing barriers, the CPHE aims to foster an environment that prioritizes academic excellence, student success, and practical educational outcomes.
The participating educational institutions in the CPHE encompass a wide range of reputable university systems, including the Texas A&M University System, the State University System of Florida, the University System of Georgia, the University of North Carolina System, the University of South Carolina, and the University of Tennessee System. Leaders from these institutions are committed to working together to cultivate a new accreditation standard that aligns with their educational objectives while adhering to state legislation and values.
The ultimate goal of this collaborative effort is to establish a new accrediting body that could reshape the landscape of higher education and address the perceived inadequacies of existing systems. By emphasizing student outcomes and practical achievements, Florida and its partner states hope to inspire a nationwide reevaluation of accreditation processes, heralding a new era in higher education focused on student success rather than bureaucratic requirements.
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Additional Resources
- Knox News: University of Tennessee System Forms Commission for Public Higher Education
- WBIR: Knoxville College Faces Accreditation Challenges
- Higher Ed Dive: University Systems Launch New Accreditor
- Wikipedia: Accreditation in the United States
- Memphis Flyer: UT Health Science Center Reaccredited
- Google Search: Accreditation in Higher Education
