The American Bar Association is defending its role as the federally recognised accreditor of US law schools as the organisation faces a review by the Trump administration that could end its longstanding authority.
The ABA’s law school accreditation council is appearing before the US Department of Education’s National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity on Wednesday after department staff recommended ending its recognition. The ABA has held the accreditation role since 1952 and currently oversees 198 US law schools.
Education Department staff argued in an August report that the ABA’s legal education council is not sufficiently separate and independent from the wider organisation. The report also criticised the council’s handling of its diversity requirements.
The ABA repealed its law school diversity requirement earlier this month, in a move aimed at addressing concerns raised by federal and state authorities. ABA officials maintain that the accreditation council has consistently complied with federal requirements and should retain its recognition.
The dispute has broader implications for legal education. Loss of federal recognition could affect federal student-loan access at some law schools and make it more difficult for graduates to qualify for bar admission in certain states.
The advisory committee is expected to make a recommendation, but the Education Department’s final decision is not expected for several months.
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