05/30/2025 | News release | Archived content
Following up after pausing its requirements for veterinary colleges to report on DEI activities, the AVMA Council on Education® (COE®) has issued a call for comments on proposed changes to related sections of its accreditation standards.
Comments are due no later than June 13, 2025, on proposed revisions to the accreditation standards in these seven areas: organization, clinical resources, students, admissions, faculty, curriculum, and outcomes. The proposed changes can be viewed here in the AVMA Center for Veterinary Accreditation, along with information on how to submit comments.
The proposed revisions are "driven by a demonstrated need to ensure the Standards continue to support and protect students while enabling colleges and schools to comply with federal laws, varying state laws, and evolving federal policies," according to the COE®.
The COE® has been reviewing its accreditation standards in order to help veterinary colleges and schools avoid potential conflicts with state and federal mandates. In March, the council moved to make reporting on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities optional for veterinary schools. The council explained its action this way in a Dear Colleague letter to veterinary school deans:
"In recognition of the potential conflicts arising due to changing state and federal law, regulations, and guidance, the COE will not require programs to report on, or comply with, current aspects of the Standards of Accreditation that relate to DEI or other related language in a manner that conflicts with applicable law or other institutional directives or regulations as determined by impacted institutions."
The COE® noted at the time that executive orders and some state mandates/laws had the potential to negatively impact critical research funding and veterinary students' access to Health Profession Student Loans.
The AVMA COE® is the accrediting body responsible for setting veterinary education standards and assessing veterinary colleges to meet the minimum requirements for graduating day-one-ready veterinarians. It is recognized as an accreditor by the U.S. Department of Education, which allows access to Title VII Health Profession Student Loans.
The COE® is functionally autonomous from the AVMA. Because it is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as an accrediting body, the COE® is required to maintain independence from the AVMA. This includes making independent decisions regarding accreditation of veterinary schools, the standards of accreditation, and its policies and procedures.