Juridics: American Bar Association: Role in accrediting law schools

Volokh Conspiracy, Jonathan H. Adler (June14,2k11)

Could the ABA Satisfy Its Own Standards?

Jonathan H. Adler • June 12, 2011 9:31 am

The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity — the entitity which reviews and approves accreditation agencies — has serious concerns about the American Bar Association, even as it re-approved the ABA’s role in accrediting law schools.

                

"several members of the committee expressed reservations about approving that status for the ABA, which was found to be out of compliance with 17 regulations, including the need to consider student-loan default rates in assessing programs; to solicit and consider public comments; and to set a standard for job placement by its member institutions.    

"Arthur E. Keiser, chancellor of the Keiser Collegiate System, said that an accrediting agency would not accredit an institution with 17 outstanding issues. “There is a real concern that this agency doesn’t get it,” he said. Anne D. Neal, president of the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, was one of three committee members who opposed the motion to continue the bar association’s recognition, saying that she had no confidence it would be in compliance within a year.  

"Representatives of the association assured the committee that the changes recommended by the department were already in the process of being carried out and would be completed in time. . . . In the end, a majority on the federal advisory committee voted to continue the bar association’s recognition, but expressed frustration that they could not take stronger actions or at least state their concerns with stronger language."

Hat tip: Paul Caron (who has more here).

-- VC / Adler materials re-posted by Lawt