Florida Gov. DeSantis Files Lawsuit Against Biden Administration Over Higher Education Accreditation

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has filed a federal lawsuit against the Biden administration, claiming that the higher education accreditation system violates the Constitution and seeking to strip accrediting agencies of their authority.

Florida Gov. DeSantis has long viewed accreditation as a problematic issue. (Photo: AP News)

Florida Gov. DeSantis Files Lawsuit

Florida Gov. DeSantis is determined to protect Florida’s top-ranked higher education system from what he perceives as undue interference by unaccountable accrediting bodies, Inside Higher Ed reported.

Under US law, colleges and universities must be accredited by a recognized accreditor sanctioned by the Department of Education in order to receive federal student aid.

However, in recent years, some institutional accreditors have faced criticism for opposing state lawmakers’ attempts to reform higher education.

The lawsuit argues that accreditation standards are not mere recommendations but mandatory requirements. It states that all postsecondary institutions must be accredited by a recognized agency to be eligible for any federal funding programs.

Additionally, federal law restricts colleges and universities from freely choosing their accrediting agencies, as they must demonstrate “reasonable cause” to change accreditors.

Florida Gov. DeSantis’ Accreditation Concerns

Florida Gov. DeSantis has long viewed accreditation as a problematic issue, and former President Trump has echoed these concerns as part of his 2024 presidential campaign. Conservative groups have also begun focusing on the role of accrediting agencies.

Responding to the lawsuit, the White House released a statement criticizing Florida Gov. DeSantis’ actions, claiming that he is attempting to bring his culture wars, such as book bans, into the education system.

The administration pledges to ensure that all students receive a high-quality education and opposes any efforts to impede that goal.

Last year, Florida passed a law requiring state colleges and universities to change accrediting agencies every 10 years. The lawsuit argues that the Department of Education has issued guidance that makes it more difficult for Florida institutions to switch accreditors.

The state seeks to have the guidance invalidated by a federal judge.

Ray Rodrigues, chancellor of the State University System of Florida, expressed support for the governor’s stance, stating that high-quality education should be held to the highest standards.

He believes that the University of Central Florida’s aspiration to become a preeminent institution and join the American Association of Universities would be better facilitated by joining The Higher Learning Commission as an accrediting agency.

Currently, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges serves as the accreditor for Florida institutions.

The outcome of the lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the accreditation process and the autonomy of colleges and universities across the nation.