University of South Carolina Faculty Address Concerns on New Accrediting Agency

Columbia, South Carolina, September 12, 2025

News Summary

At a recent meeting at the University of South Carolina, faculty members raised concerns about the university’s potential participation in a newly proposed accrediting agency aimed at addressing ‘woke indoctrination.’ Led by Board Chairman Thad Westbrook, the meeting saw significant turnout, indicating deep engagement among the staff. Faculty expressed fears about the implications for academic freedom and the financial commitments required for participation. The proposed agency, rooted in policies advocated by Republican leaders, seeks to redefine accreditation standards in higher education.

Columbia, South Carolina – A significant turnout of professors from the University of South Carolina (USC) gathered for a pivotal meeting on September 3, 2025, regarding the university’s potential involvement in a newly proposed accrediting agency known as the Commission for Public Higher Education. The event took place at the 300-seat Russell House theater on the USC Columbia campus, attracting hundreds of faculty members from an institution that has nearly 1,800 teaching staff.

The meeting was led by Board Chairman Thad Westbrook, who addressed concerns surrounding USC’s participation in the commission alongside other institutions in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. The newly proposed commission, shaped by Republican leaders, aims to counter perceived “woke indoctrination” within higher education and seeks to develop a framework for accreditation that prioritizes student outcomes and academic excellence while avoiding ideological bias.

This meeting’s high attendance is notable, as such events usually observe sparse participation. Faculty members expressed deep concerns about implications for teaching and research, particularly regarding potential restrictions on academic content related to race, gender, climate science, and other sensitive issues. Some professors were skeptical of Westbrook’s reassurances that USC’s partnership would remain free from political influences.

The commission’s initial round of pre-accreditation is set to commence this fall, with ten schools participating in its first phase. However, none of the USC institutions are slated to be involved during this initial stage. Full approval from the U.S. Department of Education for the new commission will take a minimum of two years, with USC contemplating participation after 2029 when USC Beaufort’s accreditation is due for renewal.

Concerns about the proposed commission were not limited to curricular implications; financial issues were also raised. The proposed contribution of $4 million from each participating institution for the commission’s business plan remains unconfirmed for USC, adding to apprehensions about financial sustainability and fiscal responsibility. Faculty members expressed uneasiness about the vague definitions in the draft standards, particularly regarding “diversity of viewpoints,” and how these might impact academic freedom.

Westbrook sought to reassure faculty by reminding them of USC’s historical commitment to protecting academic freedom and the institution’s stance against restricting discussions on controversial subjects. Faculty Senate President Wayne Outten highlighted that professors typically place greater emphasis on a college’s reputation and resources rather than the specific accrediting agency when considering job applications.

The idea for this new accrediting agency originated from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in June 2025, with new regulations being touted as a response to what he perceives as leftist ideologies present in existing accreditors, like the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which currently oversees USC’s accreditation. DeSantis and other Republican lawmakers have publicly voiced frustrations with current accreditation practices, asserting that these often reflect liberal ideologies and complicate the accreditation process unnecessarily.

In an attempt to foster constructive dialogue, Westbrook encouraged faculty members to engage in the public comment period for the draft standards, which is open until September 16, 2025. The feedback collected may play a crucial role in shaping the future of this proposed commission and its effects on the academic landscape across the university and the state.

FAQ

• What is the Commission for Public Higher Education?
  The Commission for Public Higher Education is a new accrediting agency proposed by Republican leaders aimed at countering perceived “woke indoctrination” in higher education.
• Who attended the meeting at USC?
  Hundreds of professors from the University of South Carolina attended the meeting, marking a significant turnout for such events.
• What are the major concerns raised by faculty members?
  Faculty members expressed concerns about potential restrictions on academic content related to politically sensitive topics, financial implications for contributing to the new commission, and issues regarding academic freedom.
• When does the accreditation process start?
  The initial round of pre-accreditation will start in the fall of 2025, though no USC institutions will participate in this first phase.
• How long will it take for the commission to gain full approval?
  Full approval from the U.S. Department of Education for the new commission is expected to take at least two years.

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Additional Resources

• SC Daily Gazette: DeSantis Developing New University Accreditor
• Higher Ed Dive: 6 University Systems Launch New Accreditor
• The Hill: Southern Public Universities Accreditation Panel
• Forbes: Public Universities in Six Southern States Form New Accrediting Agency
• Baptist News: Six Southern States Create New Accrediting Agency
• Wikipedia: Accreditation in Higher Education
• Google Search: University Accreditation
• Google Scholar: University Accreditation
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Accreditation
• Google News: University Accreditation

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