Commission for Public Higher Education: A New University Accrediting Agency
In a move that has sparked debate and raised questions about the role of politics in higher education, several universities in Republican-led states are joining forces to create a new accrediting agency. This new agency, known as the Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE), aims to provide an alternative to existing nationally recognized accrediting agencies that oversee colleges and universities.
Background and Motivation
The formation of the CPHE comes amid growing criticism from Republican leaders regarding the current accreditation process. These leaders argue that existing accrediting agencies are partly responsible for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, as well as reinforcing what they perceive as liberal bias within higher education institutions. They claim that these agencies have approved "low quality" institutions and abused their authority by requiring schools to have DEI initiatives.
Donald Trump, during his time as president, expressed his intent to overhaul the accreditation process. He signed an executive order directing the Department of Education to review existing accrediting agencies, suspend recognition for those deemed to have poor performance, and recognize new accreditors. Trump referred to accreditation as his "secret weapon" to liberate colleges from a leftist agenda.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been a vocal proponent of the CPHE, claiming that the state has set an example for the nation by "breaking the activist-controlled accreditation monopoly." He believes that the CPHE will offer an alternative that will break the ideological stronghold and ensure that Florida leads the way in higher education.
Formation and Participating Institutions
The CPHE is being formed by a consortium of public universities from six states:
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- Texas A&M University System
- State University System of Florida
- University System of Georgia
- University of Tennessee System
- University of North Carolina System
- University of South Carolina System
These universities are currently accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). While they are forming the CPHE, there are no immediate plans to leave SACSCOC.
The Role of Accrediting Agencies
Accrediting agencies play a crucial role in ensuring the quality of higher education institutions. They assess institutions' programs, curricula, graduation rates, and other metrics to determine whether they meet certain standards. Accreditation is essential for colleges and universities because it allows their students to qualify for federal financial aid.
Texas law requires public universities to be accredited by one of seven federally recognized agencies. It remains unclear whether the CPHE has begun the process of seeking recognition from the federal or state government.
Concerns and Criticisms
The creation of the CPHE has raised concerns about political interference in higher education. Critics argue that the agency could be used to enforce political orthodoxy and suppress academic freedom. They fear that lawmakers could control the minutiae of higher education, dictating what ideas are acceptable to discuss, which would be detrimental to academic freedom.
Some also point out that the CPHE's structure could compromise its independence. As a nonprofit under the Florida Board of Governors, the agency is accountable to the states, which have been actively trying to increase government control over higher education. This could potentially allow officials who fund and govern public colleges to influence the independent review of those institutions.
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Brian Evans, president of the Texas Conference of the American Association of University Professors, questioned the need for a new accrediting agency, given that SACSCOC does not have DEI requirements for accreditation.
CPHE's Response
The CPHE claims to be apolitical and nonideological, with its mission and methods based on observations about accreditation that span decades. Dan Harrison, vice president for academic affairs at the UNC system, stated that the agency's goals, conduct, conversations, and work products will be nonideological.
The CPHE promises a new accreditation model that will focus on student outcomes, process efficiency, and the pursuit of excellence. It aims to provide a more reasonable, transparent, and objective option for accreditation.
Senate Bill 530
The creation of the CPHE comes after the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 530, which gives schools more options for accreditation. SACSCOC will no longer be the sole accreditor for Texas universities, allowing them to choose from an approved list by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Other States' Actions
Other states, such as Iowa, are considering emulating the CPHE model. Iowa lawmakers are pushing bills that would mandate the state's public colleges to join the CPHE.
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Historical Context
The concept of accreditation emerged in the early 20th century to ensure educational quality and protect students from fraudulent institutions. The federal government began relying on accreditors in the 1950s to ensure that GI Bill funds were used responsibly.
The Future of Accreditation
The emergence of the CPHE represents a significant development in the landscape of higher education accreditation. It remains to be seen how the agency will operate and what impact it will have on colleges and universities. As the CPHE seeks federal recognition and begins to accredit institutions, it will be closely scrutinized by stakeholders across the political spectrum.
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