"Kent indicated neither are currently noncompliant, but he noted in both letters that he was concerned about noncompliance since neither has 'formally rescinded any and all agency standards that violate federal law.' Kent also alleged that DEI standards for both organizations violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964."
"Now both must submit two monitoring reports describing 'what actions the agency has taken to eliminate standards that violate federal law,' according to Kent's letters. Initial monitoring reports from both accreditors are due within six months, while the second is to follow within 12 months."
"Starting in the early days of the second Trump administration, numerous accreditors, including Middle States and CAPTE, quickly backtracked on DEI—suspending such requirements in their standards or offering broad flexibility to institutions. Kent noted those changes in his letters."
The Department of Education's Under Secretary Nicholas Kent sent letters to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, warning that their diversity, equity and inclusion standards conflict with federal law, specifically Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Although both accreditors suspended enforcement of their DEI standards and the Trump administration renewed their federal recognition, Kent indicated that suspension is insufficient and demanded formal rescission of all DEI-related standards. Both organizations must submit monitoring reports within six and twelve months detailing actions taken to eliminate standards violating federal law. This action follows concerns raised by GOP-appointed members of the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity.
Read at Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs
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