What the independent accreditation process means for the legal profession—and for the broader ABA

June 01, 2026 Message from ABA President Michelle A. Behnke

What the independent accreditation process means for the legal profession-and for the broader ABA

For the last ten months, I've been saying that the ABA's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is unwavering. The recent vote by the independent accreditation council of the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar to repeal certain law school diversity and inclusion standards has raised important questions across our profession and among many ABA members. Some have asked: How can these two things be true?

Let me start by stating a fact that most people don't know or understand: The council exercises separate and independent authority when carrying out its accreditation function. Under federal requirements designed to ensure autonomy, all accrediting agencies - including the accreditation council - must operate independently from the professional association. The council's action was taken in that independent accreditation capacity. The accreditation council is separate from the ABA. Its actions do not alter the ABA's broader mission, values or ongoing commitments.

The ABA remains committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and equal access remains a high priority. Those principles are reflected in ABA Goal III - to eliminate bias and enhance diversity in the association, the legal profession and the justice system. Last year, the ABA Board of Governors reaffirmed that commitment and emphasized that full and equal participation in the profession and justice system remains central to the ABA's work. While we know that the accreditation council's actions will have an effect on the legal profession and who has access to a legal education, the ABA will continue its work to be inclusive and expand opportunities and access.

Across the country, institutions are facing growing pressure around diversity and inclusion efforts. The accreditation council is among those facing pressure, as is the ABA. It is incredibly difficult for many organizations. However, this is not a moment for ambiguity for this association.

The ABA has long recognized that excellence in the legal profession and meaningful opportunity are connected, not mutually exclusive ideas. Too many talented students and young lawyers still face barriers to opportunity and advancement. To strengthen public trust in the legal system, we must expand, not narrow, pathways into the profession.

The American Bar Association, therefore, must speak clearly about the value of fairness, opportunity and equal access within the legal profession.

Through the ABA Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the work of many ABA entities, we will continue to support pipeline programs, mentorship, leadership development, judicial diversity and access to justice. Engaging in and supporting these efforts strengthens the profession and upholds equal justice under law.

The accreditation council's decisions to adopt, revise, amend or repeal standards are submitted for consideration to the ABA House of Delegates, the policy-making body of our association. The House process affords members the opportunity to engage in civil discourse and debate about issues important to the profession, including this one, but the vote of the House does not control the ultimate decision on the issue.

The legal profession is strongest when it draws on the experiences, talents and perspectives of people from every background and every community.

Diversity does not weaken our profession. It deepens it. It broadens understanding, strengthens public trust and helps ensure the law serves all people fairly and fully.

The ABA will continue to speak clearly, act often and stand firmly for a profession that reflects the principles of fairness, opportunity and equal justice that define both our mission and our democracy.

Our strength as a profession has never come from sameness. It comes from the people, perspectives and experiences that together make the law stronger, trusted and more capable of serving the public.