DeSantis unveils new university accreditation apparatus, current one 'beholden to woke ideology'

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the creation of an alternative university accreditation system on Thursday saying the existing one is "beholden to woke ideology."

This new system, the Commission for Public Higher Education, is composed of six state public university systems – the State University System of Florida, the University System of Georgia, the University of North Carolina System, the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees, the University of Tennessee System and the Texas A&M University System. DeSantis says each will prioritize student achievement over ideology.

DeSantis says this new system will "offer an alternative that will break the ideological stronghold."

"Florida has set an example for the country in reclaiming higher education – and we're working to make that success permanent," DeSantis said at an event in Boca Raton. "That means breaking the activist-controlled accreditation monopoly. With transparent, rigorous, outcomes-based standards, this accreditor will help ensure the Free State of Florida leads the way in higher education for decades to come."

The new system will offer a new accreditation model focused on student outcomes, process efficiency, and the pursuit of excellence for public postsecondary education.

Accreditation is vital for colleges and universities as it ensures the quality of their educational offerings, assures employers of alumni qualifications, allows graduates to be professionally certified and licensed in their fields and determines eligibility for federal student financial aid.

DeSantis also said this new system will use accreditation standards and practices that will be rigorous and transparent while ensuring colleges and universities maintain academic quality.

The move was ignited by the signing of law by DeSantis of Senate Bill 7022 in 2022, which requires Florida's universities and colleges to switch accreditors after five years.

"I am proud to be joined by leaders of five other public university systems to establish an accreditor that will focus on ensuring institutions provide high-quality, high-value programs, use student data to drive decisions, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the process," said Chancellor Ray Rodrigues of the State University System of Florida.

Thad H. Westbrook, chairman of the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees, said that innovating accreditation provides great benefits for universities, colleges, and our nation.

Colleges and universities are accredited by several different accreditation bodies. There are six regional bodies that handle this chore: The Northwest Accreditation Commission, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the New England Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Southern Association handles Florida's public universities and community colleges and the schools are reevaluated every 10 years.