Civil Rights, Diversity, and Accreditation
Hearing Before the Human Resources and Intergovernmental Relations Subcommittee of the Committee on Government Operations, House of Representatives, One Hundred Second Congress, First Session, June 26, 1991
Description:... A congressional hearing was held concerning the Department of Education's failure to grant recognition to the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, a higher education accrediting agency, because of that agency's approach to promoting diversity on college campuses. Following opening statements by the committee members, the hearing's only witness, Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander, testified. He began by noting that the review of Middle States was in process and by addressing the question of using diversity as a criterion for accrediting colleges and universities. He addressed the nature of the original charge to accreditation agencies, which was to assure academic quality standards, and not to check on the racial, ethnic, or gender mix of an institution. Secretary Alexander questioned the appropriateness of Middle States enforcing diversity standards. He also noted the power of these agencies as accreditation is linked to student and institutional federal funding. Following his statement, committee members questioned the secretary on particulars of the Middle States review. Included in the publication are the prepared statements of those present at the hearing as well as others not present, and documentation related to the issues of the hearing, including decisions, newspaper clippings, and correspondence. (JB)
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