TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Feb 26, 2025

In a recent press release, the ABA outlined the status of its efforts to revise law school accreditation standards. For the last year, the association has been considering changes to Standard 206, which currently outlines the steps law schools must take to demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion. At its last meeting, the Council of the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar considered comments submitted in response to proposed changes, as well as other potential changes. It says it is continuing to review the standard to “ensure compliance with the recent executive orders and [direction from] the U.S. Department of Education” and intends to submit its recommendation to the ABA House of Delegates in August. Last week, the ABA decided to suspend the standard until Aug. 31, when adoption of a revised standard is anticipated. The council also said that “literal compliance” with Standard 205 will not be required. That standard prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability or military status.