Columbia, September 12, 2025
News Summary
The University of South Carolina is partnering with other states to create the Commission for Public Higher Education, addressing faculty concerns over political influences in academia. A meeting highlighted skepticism from professors regarding the commission’s impact on curriculum and budget. The commission will focus on academic excellence but raised alarms over its funding model and vague policies on diversity of viewpoints. USC Beaufort is projected as the first to gain accreditation by 2029, amid broader debates on the role of politics in educational standards.
Columbia
The University of South Carolina (USC) has announced its collaboration with university systems from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas to create a new Commission for Public Higher Education. This initiative comes as a response to growing concerns among faculty regarding political influence in higher education.
On September 3, 2025, a significant meeting was held in the 300-seat Russell House theater on the USC Columbia campus, drawing hundreds of professors, the largest assembly for the introduction of new faculty members in recent years. During the meeting, Thad Westbrook, the chairman of the university’s governing board, addressed the audience regarding the commission’s formation.
The commission is being positioned as an alternative to traditional accreditation agencies, which are often criticized by Republican lawmakers for allegedly fostering “woke indoctrination.” Westbrook addressed apprehensions from professors about how the new commission might affect the curriculum, particularly concerning sensitive subjects such as race, gender, and climate science.
Despite Westbrook’s efforts to delineate the commission’s objectives from political biases, skepticism among faculty was apparent. The commission aims to initiate a pre-accreditation process involving ten schools, although USC system schools will not be included in this initial rollout. The entire approval process is expected to take a minimum of two years, with USC Beaufort being the earliest candidate for accreditation, projected for 2029.
One notable point of concern among professors was the commission’s vague terminology about “diversity of viewpoints” within its proposed accreditation standards. Mindy Fenske, an English professor, raised issues regarding the financial implications of the commission’s business model, which demands that member schools provide $4 million each. This funding requirement has raised alarm over potential impacts on the university’s budget and resources.
The discussions highlighted a broader tension between faculty and administration, particularly regarding how ideological standards may jeopardize academic freedom and independence. Westbrook assured professors of the university’s commitment to maintaining academic integrity and mentioned that the board has refrained from implementing strict diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.
The formation of this commission follows Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s announcement in June 2025 about establishing a new accreditation agency, aimed at disrupting the prevailing “woke accreditation cartels” and emphasizing student outcomes and academic excellence. DeSantis has criticized existing accrediting bodies, including the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), for perceived hindrances to educational innovation.
As various conservative states work toward reforming higher education accreditation standards, concerns persist among faculty unions and academic professionals. Critics argue that this new model could undermine the independence and quality of academic programs. Meanwhile, the USC Board of Trustees has expressed support for the partnership but is currently assessing the ramifications based on experiences from other institutions before committing to the commission fully.
Key Features of the Commission
- Collaborating university systems: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas
- Initial pre-accreditation process for ten schools
- USC Beaufort expected to be the first school accredited by 2029
- $4 million contribution required from member schools
- Focus on academic excellence and student outcomes
Background Context
The ongoing debates over accreditation standards reflect a growing national discussion about the role of politics in education. Conservative lawmakers have been increasingly vocal against what they perceive as ideological biases in traditional accreditation practices. As this new commission takes shape, many stakeholders within the academic community will be closely monitoring its developments and implications for academic freedom.
FAQ
What is the Commission for Public Higher Education?
It is a newly formed body involving several university systems aimed at serving as an alternative to existing accreditation agencies, with a focus on enhancing academic performance and student outcomes.
What are the concerns raised by USC professors?
Professors expressed concern over how the commission’s potential ideological standards might impact academic freedom and the teaching of sensitive subjects.
When is the first potential accreditation under the new commission?
The first potential accreditation for USC Beaufort is expected to occur in 2029.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- SC Daily Gazette: DeSantis developing new university accreditor
- Google Search: university accreditation
- Spectrum Local News: USC joins new accrediting agency
- Wikipedia: Accreditation
- Post and Courier: USC Florida Texas accreditation agency
- Encyclopedia Britannica: accreditation
- The Hill: Southern public universities accreditation panel
- Google News: higher education politics
- Baptist News: six southern states create new accrediting agency
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
