As theological schools adapt to evolving cultural and political dynamics, recent federal actions have added new layers of complexity for higher education nationwide. In the letter below, Frank Yamada, Executive Director of the Association of Theological Schools, provides an overview of key executive orders and reflects on their potential implications for our collective work in theological education.

May 2, 2025

Dear Members of The Association of Theological Schools,

I write today to reaffirm our shared commitment to theological education and to continue to offer guidance in light of the newest US presidential executive orders (EOs).

During the week of April 21, 2025, several EOs were issued related to foreign funding, civil rights enforcement, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and accreditation reform. All of the orders have potential to impact our member schools, but we will focus on the EO addressing the role and function of accrediting agencies. 

On May 1, 2025, the US Department of Education issued a new Dear Colleague Letter with updated guidance on changing accrediting agencies. We are reviewing this guidance and will provide further direction in our next update.

The Reforming Accreditation to Strengthen Higher Education EO proposes significant changes to the structure and oversight of higher education in the United States. While its implementation is still uncertain, and many aspects would require legislative or regulatory action to become law, the intent and direction of the order are clear. Some of the main goals are:

• Reducing Accreditor Power: Curtails the authority of private accrediting organizations over colleges and universities that receive federal funds.
• Expanding Federal Oversight: Increases the federal government’s role in reviewing and regulating accrediting agencies and the institutions they approve.
• Limiting DEI Mandates: Bars accreditors from requiring schools to implement diversity, equity, and inclusion-related policies as a condition for accreditation.
• Preventing Ideological Enforcement: Bars accreditors from promoting political or ideological agendas or requiring institutions to adopt specific viewpoints.
• Easing Accreditor Switching: Streamlines the process for institutions to change accreditors.
• Reviewing Specific Accreditors: Orders an evaluation of certain accrediting bodies for potentially enforcing policies inconsistent with the new standards.

These measures reflect a substantial shift in the federal government's approach to accreditation and may introduce new operational and legal complexities for institutions. We are in consultation with legal counsel about possible implications for the Commission. Based on initial assessments, we do not believe that substantial changes to the Standards of Accreditation or the Policies and Procedures are necessary because the Standards allow our members the flexibility to determine their own mission, purpose, and viewpoints.

Throughout our history, ATS has existed to support and strengthen theological schools in their efforts to serve faith communities and the broader society. Our mission transcends any single political moment; it is rooted in a long-term vision for theological education that is both faithful and formative for public life. Our Standards are shaped by and for our member institutions. They are designed not only to meet external expectations, but to reflect our collective pursuit of quality and improvement, integrity, and faithfulness, in the preparation of religious leaders and scholars.

Central to our framework is the recognition and protection of institutional autonomy and academic freedom. We affirm the right and responsibility of each member school to define its mission, values, and approach to theological education. Our standards encourage this diversity of mission, theological tradition, and the contexts that schools serve as a visible expression of God’s intention for humanity. They do not impose ideological uniformity. Instead, they support institutions in living out their calling with integrity, within the bounds of their own faith commitments.

Because ATS member schools vary widely in tradition, location, and size, recent EOs—including the most current—have affected institutions in different ways. Some have experienced little or no disruption. Others are navigating significant and potentially lasting changes. Certain institutions are impacted because of investigations to the broader university or college. Many are concerned about the future implications of these changes. There is fear and uncertainty in academic communities, particularly among international students and faculty. For Canadian schools, while not governed by US policy, the cumulative effects of these orders and the imposition of tariffs are already being felt, including funding disruptions, travel complications, and regulatory uncertainty.

We express our unwavering support for each of our members, recognizing that our collective work represents a profound, shared commitment to the ongoing mission of theological education across traditions and borders. Now is the time to live into what it means to be a community of theological schools that is committed to each other, to the shared good work of the Association and Commission, and, most importantly, to our common mission: “to promote the improvement and enhancement of theological schools the benefit of communities of faith and the broader public.”

We continue to urge our member schools to remain engaged—seeking legal guidance when needed, staying informed, and drawing wisdom and strength from the connections within this vibrant community. We will continue to share resources and insights whenever possible.

Above all, we are united by a shared purpose to steward theological education with integrity and care. We are grateful for your leadership and for the steadfast commitment each of you brings to your institution and to our broader mission.

Grace and peace,
Frank M. Yamada
Executive Director