ABA Finds Texas Southern Law School Out Of Compliance With Admissions Accreditation Standard Amidst Fraud Investigation

Following up on my previous posts (links below):   ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar Council Decision, Notice of Finding of Significant Noncompliance With Standard 501(a) (Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law) (May 2020):

At its May 14-15, 2020, meeting, the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association (the “Council”) considered the status of the Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law (the “Law School”) and concluded that the Law School is not in compliance with Standard 501(a).

In accordance with U.S. Department of Education regulations (34 C.F.R. § 602.26) applicable to recognized accrediting agencies, the Council is required to post a notice describing the basis for an action when it finds significant noncompliance with one or more of ABA Standards pursuant to Rule 11(a)(4). The Council considers any finding of noncompliance with Standard 501 to be such a finding. Consequently, pursuant to ABA Internal Operating Practice 5 of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar, this public memorandum is being issued within 24 hours of the time the Law School was notified of the Council’s decision.

The Law School has been asked to submit a report by August 1, 2020, and to appear before the Council at its November 19-21, 2020, meeting. The Council will consider the written report at its August 13-15, 2020, meeting. If the information provided in the written report demonstrates compliance with the Standard listed above, then the Council will find the Law School to be in compliance with the Standards and cancel the hearing.

ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar Council Decision, Notice of Compliance and Removal of Requirements of Specific Remedial Actions Standard 501(b) and Interpretations 501-1 and 501-2 (Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law) (May 2020):

At its May 14-15, 2020, meeting, the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association (the “Council”) considered the status of the Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law (the “Law School”).

In accordance with Rule 11(a)(1), the Council concluded that the information provided by the Law School was sufficient to demonstrate compliance with Standard 501(b) and Interpretations 501-1 and 501-2. Accordingly, the Council removed the requirements of the specific remedial actions imposed on the Law School.

ABA Journal, Law School Still Out Of Compliance With ABA Admissions Standard and Dealing With Fraud Allegations:

Texas Southern University's Thurgood Marshall School of Law remains out of compliance with an ABA admissions standard. ... 

This notice follows an internal school investigation that found an admissions officer at the Houston-based law school admitted students who were not qualified, in exchange for kickbacks.

The council found the law school out of compliance with Standard 501(a), which requires schools adopt, publish and adhere to sound admission policies. ...

In a separate finding also posted Wednesday, the council determined the law school has demonstrated compliance with Standard 501(b), which states schools should only admit people who appear capable of finishing law school and being admitted to practice law. The council also found that the law school demonstrated compliance with Interpretations 501-1 and 501-2. 501-1 addresses academic and admission test credentials for incoming students, and 501-2 focuses on academic attrition.

Prior TaxProf Blog coverage:

• ABA Censures Texas Southern Law School Following Gender Discrimination Complaint By Associate Dean (July 22, 2017)
• Admissions Scandal At Texas Southern Law School Leads To President's Ouster (Feb. 10, 2020)
• ABA: Texas Southern Law School Remains Out Of Compliance With Accreditation Standards (Mar. 5, 2020)