Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has secured a major victory in his push to reshape higher education as the state’s university system approved a new accreditation model. The initiative, which seeks to challenge what DeSantis refers to as an ‘accreditation cartel,’ was announced as part of a broader effort to reform the existing system dominated by private accrediting bodies. The new model, led by the Commission for Public Higher Education, a consortium of six public university systems including Florida, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, marks a significant departure from the current approach to higher education accreditation.
DeSantis, a prominent conservative figure, has long criticized the existing accrediting bodies for imposing excessive diversity and equity requirements on institutions, which he argues conflict with state laws. The new model seeks to redefine the accreditation process, emphasizing academic excellence, student outcomes, and efficiency in higher education. According to spokespersons for the Florida Board of Governors, the Commission aims to create a transparent process that ensures quality education without the influence of ideological mandates. This stands in direct contrast to the current accreditation standards, which DeSantis and other conservative lawmakers claim have been used to enforce DEI policies in ways that exceed state authority.
The move has drawn attention from the Trump administration, which has also sought to reform higher education accreditation following concerns about the influence of private accrediting bodies. In an executive order issued in April, President Trump called for greater accountability in accreditation, citing institutions that he claimed had prioritized ideological agendas over student success. DeSantis’ initiative aligns with this broader effort to reassert state control over education standards. The Florida-led group has been working in conjunction with the Department of Education to seek federal approval for its new accreditor, which could reshape the landscape of higher education regulation in the United States.
The decision has significant implications for higher education institutions across the country. While some critics argue that the new model could undermine academic freedom and diversity initiatives, DeSantis and his allies maintain that it will restore state autonomy and accountability to education governance. The outcome of this reform could influence federal policy, as well as the accreditation standards for universities in other states that may consider adopting similar models. With the Department of Education yet to provide a formal response, the future of this initiative remains in flux, but its potential impact on the role of accreditation in higher education is already being closely watched.