Key facts
- The Trump administration has recommended removing the American Bar Association's authority to accredit law schools.
- The ABA's role in accrediting law schools and determining their eligibility for federal student aid is being reviewed.
- Concerns have been raised by Republicans regarding the ABA's diversity, equity, and inclusion standards.
- The ABA argues that its functions as a trade association and accreditor are separate and independent.
The Trump administration has recommended that the American Bar Association (ABA) lose its authority to oversee law schools. This recommendation stems from a status report by the Education Department, which is part of the regular accreditation renewal process.
Accreditors, which are non-governmental agencies, are responsible for reviewing educational quality. For law schools not affiliated with a university, the ABA's approval is necessary for them to receive federal student aid. The department's staff findings will undergo further review by an advisory board before a final decision is made by a senior department official, with the approval of the Education Secretary.