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Six Southern Public University Systems Form New Accrediting Commission

The consortium has applied for U.S. Department of Education recognition under Trump administration rules to sidestep regional accreditors accused of ideological bias.

UNC System President Peter Hans. (Courtesy of UNC System / Justin Kase Conder)
People take photos with the 3-ton bronze replica of the Haynes Aggie Ring at Texas A&M University on Monday, June 15, 2020 in College Station. The ring is located outside the Clayton W. Williams Jr. Alumni Center near Kyle Field.
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Overview

  • The Commission for Public Higher Education comprises Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and the Texas A&M University System.
  • The new body has formally applied for federal recognition, with supporters expecting an expedited review under policies enacted by President Trump.
  • Advocates say the commission will prioritize academic quality, student outcomes and efficiency over diversity, equity and inclusion requirements they view as ideological.
  • The move follows Florida’s 2022 Senate Bill 7022 mandating accreditor rotation every five years and Gov. DeSantis’s legal challenges to federal accreditation rules.
  • Texas A&M University System has joined the commission but will maintain its current Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation until the new body gains recognition.