Story perspectives

U.S. Education Moves to Revoke ABA Law Accreditation Authority

8/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Department of Education moves to revoke the American Bar Association’s law-school accreditation authority.
Department staff issued a 500-page report recommending denial of the ABA’s accreditation renewal.
The report notes DEI Standard 205 remains suspended through February 2025.
Assistant Secretary David Barker told the Wall Street Journal accreditation “operates like a cartel.”
An advisory committee will hold a September hearing on the ABA’s accreditation status.

History

Historical Context

President Lyndon Johnson signed the Higher Education Act on November 8, 1965, giving the Department of Education a role in higher-education oversight. The act was reauthorized in 2008, expanding oversight tools. Today the Department’s 500-page report challenges the American Bar Association’s accreditation practices, echoing the original federal push to ensure compliance across post-secondary institutions.

1 of 2

Story summary

U.S. Department of Education moves to revoke the American Bar Association’s law-school accreditation authority.
Department staff issued a 500-page report recommending denial of the ABA’s accreditation renewal.
The report notes DEI Standard 205 remains suspended through February 2025.
Assistant Secretary David Barker told the Wall Street Journal accreditation “operates like a cartel.”
An advisory committee will hold a September hearing on the ABA’s accreditation status.

1 / 2