Accreditation, Academic Freedom, and Institutional Autonomy: Historical Precedents and Modern Imperatives

Abstract:

In light of the ongoing intrusions by state governments into core aspects of higher education, this article considers the roles that regional accreditors can play and have played in promoting and securing academic freedom and institutional autonomy. It discusses key elements of both academic freedom and institutional autonomy, demonstrating not only how they are different but also where they come together. It then turns to the roles that accreditors play in higher education and the specific standards for academic freedom and autonomy articulated by accreditors. Finally, this article reviews three historic cases (in 1930s Mississippi, 1940s Georgia, and 1960s North Carolina) where accreditors were instrumental in curbing state overreach. It concludes by calling for accreditors to be supported in playing similar roles today.

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