Ohio Explores Law School Accreditation Changes After Trump’s Executive Order on DEI

In April, President Donald Trump enacted an executive order that has substantial implications for higher education accreditation, particularly surrounding issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). According to an article by Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell in The Daily Signal, this order restricts accreditors from engaging in unlawful discrimination based on DEI principles. Recently, Ohio announced that it would reevaluate its law school accreditation process, aligning with similar actions taken by states such as Florida and Texas, and reinforcing Ohio's emerging identity as a Republican stronghold.

To facilitate this review, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy has appointed Robert W. Horner, III, as the chairman of an advisory committee tasked with reconsidering the state's accreditation practices. Horner, who serves as the administrative director of the Supreme Court of Ohio, emphasized that the court is responsible for overseeing all aspects of an attorney's professional journey in Ohio. This involves a commitment to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the legal profession through continuous assessment and openness to new ideas.

The advisory committee consists of a diverse group of legal practitioners, including law school deans and state legislators. Prominent members include Mary Amos Augsburger, the CEO of the Ohio State Bar Association, and key figures like senators and representatives from Ohio's legislature. Republican state representative Brian Stewart has expressed strong criticism of the American Bar Association (ABA), deeming it a monopolistic entity in law school accreditation. He supports the formation of the committee and advocates for exploring alternative accreditation avenues beyond the ABA, which he believes has lost credibility.

Furthermore, coverage from the ABA Journal has reflected on the impact of Trump's executive order on DEI standards, highlighting the ABA’s recent decision to suspend Standard 206, which focused on DEI issues, until August 2026. This shift signifies growing pressures and changes in the higher education sector concerning DEI. According to Robert Stilson, a senior research analyst, the prior administration had heavily emphasized DEI within the Department of Education, contrasting sharply with Trump’s initiatives aimed at reducing its influence in education.