Suppose that you want to go to law school, but can’t afford the stratospheric cost. You find that you’re eligible for federal student aid money that will make it possible for you to go learn about the law. (Of course, you could learn about the law without going to law school, but in most states, you’ve got to earn a law degree before you can take the bar exam.) Many law schools would probably like to have you enroll, but only those which are accredited by the American Bar Association are allowed to take the federal money. And since most law schools don’t want to turn away prospective students who depend on money from the feds, they are most desirous of obtaining and keeping their ABA accreditation.
That gives the ABA a ton of leverage.
The ABA has been beating the drums for “diversity” for years, but its proposed new standards for accreditation really push the envelope. This excellent NRO column explains the controversy.
If you go to the Pope Center’s site, you will find my commentary on it as well.
