Scott Statement on the Recognition ACICS

Statement

Ranking Member Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after Diane Auer Jones, a senior official at the Department of Education and former for-profit college executive, submitted a recommendation that Secretary DeVos grant the Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) an additional year as a recognized accreditor despite continued lack of compliance with federal standards for accrediting agencies.

"Students, their families, and the federal government rely on accreditors to set the gold standard for quality higher education. The Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) has consistently failed to meet that responsibility. Most notably, its role accrediting the now-defunct ITT Technical Institute and Corinthian Colleges had serious consequences for both students and taxpayers.

"Many of the schools accredited by ACICS prior to its loss of recognition either closed or have received accreditation elsewhere. This one-year extension only serves schools who cannot or choose not to meet the standards of more respected, federally recognized accreditors.

"This recommendation is consistent with the Department of Education's pattern of serving the interests of for-profit colleges at the expense of students and taxpayers. It is another reminder of the urgent need for Congress to conduct rigorous oversight over the Department of Education."

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