Texas A&M, university systems in other red states will create their own agency to review schools’ quality standards – The Texas Tribune

Texas A&M System Collaborates with Five Republican-Led University Systems to Establish New Accreditation Agency

Introduction

The Texas A&M System has announced a partnership with university systems from five other Republican-led states to form a new agency dedicated to setting quality standards for their higher education institutions. This initiative aligns with efforts to create more transparent and objective accreditation processes, reflecting concerns about current accrediting bodies and their influence on university policies.

Background and Motivation

• Republican officials have criticized existing higher education accrediting agencies for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and perceived liberal biases within colleges and universities.
• The new agency aims to provide an alternative accreditation pathway that is less cumbersome and more objective.

Formation of the Commission for Public Higher Education

Representatives from the Texas A&M System, State University System of Florida, University System of Georgia, University of Tennessee System, University of North Carolina System, and University of South Carolina System announced the creation of the Commission for Public Higher Education as the new accrediting body.

Current Accreditation Landscape

1. Most public four-year universities in Texas, including Texas A&M, are currently accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
2. Texas A&M is not planning to leave SACSCOC at this time, according to Jim Suydam, director of media relations for the Texas A&M University System.
3. Accreditation is essential for institutions to maintain quality standards and for students to qualify for federal financial aid.

Legislative and Federal Context

• Texas law mandates that public universities be accredited by one of seven federally recognized agencies.
• The new agency’s federal and state recognition process is expected to take approximately two years.
• Recent political actions include President Donald Trump’s April executive order to reform accreditation, focusing on reviewing accrediting agencies and promoting alternatives that do not enforce DEI initiatives.

Debate on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

• Critics argue that some accrediting agencies require DEI initiatives, which they view as ideological imposition.
• SACSCOC states it does not impose DEI requirements for accreditation (source).
• Brian Evans, president of the Texas Conference of the American Association of University Professors, questioned the need for a new accrediting agency given SACSCOC’s stance on DEI.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The establishment of the Commission for Public Higher Education has significant implications for several SDGs, including:

• SDG 4: Quality Education – By seeking to ensure transparent and objective accreditation, the new agency aims to uphold and enhance the quality of higher education institutions.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The debate around DEI programs highlights challenges in addressing inequalities within educational settings; the new accreditation approach may influence how these issues are managed.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Creating a more transparent and accountable accreditation process supports stronger institutional governance and trust.

Recent Legislative Developments

The Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 530, which diversifies accreditation options for Texas universities. This legislation allows institutions to select from an approved list of accrediting agencies, ending SACSCOC’s exclusive role.

Conclusion

The collaboration among six Republican-led university systems to establish a new accreditation agency reflects ongoing political and ideological debates surrounding higher education quality standards and institutional policies. The initiative underscores the importance of aligning accreditation practices with broader goals of transparency, quality, and inclusivity, which are integral to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article discusses higher education accreditation, quality standards, and access to federal financial aid, all of which relate directly to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • The creation of a new accrediting agency and calls for transparency and objectivity in accreditation processes relate to building effective, accountable, and transparent institutions.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
   • Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 4 Targets:
   • Graduation rates and program quality assessments are mentioned as metrics used by accreditors to evaluate higher education institutions.
   • Accreditation status itself is an indicator of compliance with quality education standards.
   • Access to federal financial aid, which requires accreditation, serves as an indirect indicator of institutional quality and student access.
2. For SDG 16 Targets:
   • The establishment of a new accrediting agency aiming for a “more reasonable and transparent pathway” implies indicators related to transparency and objectivity in institutional governance.
   • Recognition by federal and state governments of accrediting agencies can serve as an indicator of institutional accountability and effectiveness.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: texastribune.org