On April 23, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order (EO) aimed at changing university accreditation processes. The order instructs accreditors to place greater emphasis on student outcomes such as graduation rates and return on investment as the primary measures of institutional quality, without requiring consideration of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices.
What We Know
- The EO authorizes the secretary of education to suspend or terminate an accreditor’s federal recognition if it is found to be in violation of federal civil rights law, according to a White House fact sheet. The order specifically names the American Bar Association, which accredits law schools and suspended implementation of certain DEI standards in February and directs cabinet secretaries to review its practices.
- The secretary of education is tasked to “realign accreditation with student-focused principles,” which could include recognizing new accrediting bodies, prioritizing “intellectual diversity” among faculty and requiring “high-quality, high-value academic program.” The fact sheet does not specify how these measures would be defined or evaluated.
- The EO could affect some institutions’ ability to secure federal funding if they do not meet the revised accreditation standards. Accreditation is essential for students to access federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and student loans.
University leaders will continue to review the executive order and any related judicial actions to assess potential impacts on our students, faculty, and staff. LMU remains committed to its mission and values and will monitor developments related to accreditation criteria and federal policies.