Department of Education to decide ABA accreditation status after compliance failures
What happened
The Department of Education asserted ultimate authority over the American Bar Association on September 25, 2026, after a federal panel deadlocked 8-8 on the matter. The decision regarding the ABA's gatekeeper status now rests with Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent, who has 90 days to rule. Staff at the Department of Education had previously recommended stripping the ABA's status, citing non-compliance with more than 26 recognition criteria.
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Why it matters
The Department of Education holds ultimate regulatory authority over the American Bar Association's accreditation functions. The National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity noted that the ABA accrediting body is not separate and independent from the ABA as a whole, which violates federal law requiring independence from trade associations.
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Who's involved
- Department of EducationGovernment agency holding ultimate regulatory authority over the American Bar Association's accreditation functions.
- American Bar AssociationAmerican association of lawyers facing potential loss of gatekeeper status due to compliance issues.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- American Bar AssociationSpeculative
Law schools might face changes in their accreditation status, which could affect their funding and enrollment demand.
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The entities involved
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Department of Education
Australian government department, 1972-1983
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American Bar Association
American association of lawyers
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