Federal education officials moved to overhaul the U.S. accreditation system, launching negotiated rulemaking that would ease entry for new accreditors and remove existing diversity, equity and inclusion benchmarks. Education Under Secretary Nicholas Kent signaled the intent at CHEA’s conference, arguing accreditors failed to hold colleges accountable — remarks that prompted immediate debate among accrediting bodies. The Department of Education’s plan would rewrite standards that govern recognition of institutional and programmatic accreditors, shifting the federal role toward streamlined recognition and clearer performance metrics. The change could reshape quality oversight, affect institutional eligibility for Title IV funds, and alter how accreditors evaluate outcomes such as completion and job placement. Accreditors and higher-ed leaders say the proposed changes raise independence and academic-freedom concerns while supporters argue the rewrite will accelerate accountability and create room for alternative providers. The process will proceed through negotiated rulemaking, meaning colleges, accreditors, and federal officials will meet to hammer out final language before any rules are published.