U.S. Department of Education Reaches Consensus to Reform and Strengthen America's Higher Education Accreditation System
www.ed.gov

... "President Trump tasked us with implementing some of the most critical higher education reforms in history " and we are proud to once again deliver resounding and lasting results for American students and taxpayers," said Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent. "The work of the AIM Committee continues to build on the broader transformation of our higher education system: lowering costs, simplifying repayment, connecting education to workforce needs, strengthening accountability, and restoring confidence in our accreditation system. We appreciate the negotiators for their hard work in helping make the President's vision a reality."

The consensus language, as agreed to by the negotiating committee, makes significant changes to the accreditation framework. Key changes include:

...Protecting academic freedom and promoting intellectual diversity: Too many institutions have become echo chambers focused on discriminatory ideology and unlawful discriminatory practices. ...

Section 492 of the Higher Education Act (HEA) requires that the Secretary of Education solicit public comment in the development of proposed regulations before publishing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking implementing programs authorized under Title IV of the HEA. After obtaining advice and recommendations from the public and stakeholders, the Secretary conducts negotiated rulemaking to develop the proposed regulations. ...