Austin, Texas, January 13, 2026
In a groundbreaking decision, the Texas Supreme Court has terminated its reliance on the American Bar Association for law school accreditation, becoming the first state to do so. This move allows the court to establish its own criteria for law school approval, focusing on bar exam passage rates. The decision aims to enhance flexibility and stability for law schools, while preserving the portability of Texas law degrees. Concerns over the ABA’s diversity mandates and influence have prompted this reevaluation of law school accreditation across the nation.
Texas Ends ABA Oversight of Law Schools
Austin, Texas — In a landmark decision, the Texas Supreme Court has terminated the state’s reliance on the American Bar Association (ABA) for law school accreditation, making Texas the first state to sever ties with the national organization over law school oversight. This move grants the court sole authority to approve law schools for bar admissions, a responsibility it delegated to the ABA in 1983. The court’s order, issued on January 6, 2026, emphasizes the intent to provide stability, certainty, and flexibility to currently approved law schools by establishing simple, objective, and ideologically neutral criteria for accreditation. Graduates from these schools will now be eligible to sit for the Texas bar exam without ABA accreditation. The court also aims to preserve the portability of Texas law degrees to other states and out-of-state degrees into Texas, ensuring that the change does not disrupt the mobility of legal professionals.
Background and Rationale
The Texas Supreme Court’s decision follows growing concerns over the ABA’s accreditation standards, particularly its diversity, equity, and inclusion requirements. In February 2025, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi accused the ABA of imposing unlawful race and sex discrimination under the guise of ‘diversity’ mandates, compelling law schools to ensure diversity among students and staff. This criticism has intensified debates about the ABA’s role in law school accreditation and its influence on legal education.
Implications for Texas Law Schools
Under the new system, the Texas Supreme Court will assess law schools based on criteria such as bar exam passage rates, without imposing additional accreditation, compliance, or administrative burdens on currently approved institutions. The court has stated that it does not anticipate immediate changes to the current list of approved law schools and may consider returning to greater reliance on a multi-state accrediting entity other than the ABA should a suitable entity become available.
National Context
Texas’s decision is part of a broader reevaluation of the ABA’s accreditation authority. States like Florida, Ohio, and Tennessee are also considering ending their reliance on the ABA for law school oversight. These developments reflect a national trend toward reassessing accreditation processes and the role of national organizations in regulating legal education.
Future Considerations
The Texas Supreme Court has indicated that it intends to develop, in consultation with the Texas Board of Law Examiners, a deliberative approach to requests from law schools not currently accredited by the ABA that wish to be added to Texas’s list of approved schools. This approach aims to ensure that the accreditation process remains fair, transparent, and aligned with the state’s legal education standards.
Conclusion
Texas’s unprecedented move to end ABA oversight marks a significant shift in the landscape of legal education and accreditation. By reclaiming authority over law school approvals, the Texas Supreme Court seeks to tailor accreditation standards to the state’s specific needs and values, potentially setting a precedent for other states to follow.
FAQ
What is the significance of the Texas Supreme Court’s decision?
The Texas Supreme Court’s decision is significant because it makes Texas the first state to end its reliance on the American Bar Association (ABA) for law school accreditation, granting the court sole authority to approve law schools for bar admissions.
Why did Texas end its relationship with the ABA?
Texas ended its relationship with the ABA due to growing concerns over the ABA’s accreditation standards, particularly its diversity, equity, and inclusion requirements, which some critics argue impose unlawful race and sex discrimination under the guise of ‘diversity’ mandates.
How will this change affect law schools in Texas?
The change allows the Texas Supreme Court to assess law schools based on simple, objective, and ideologically neutral criteria, such as bar exam passage rates, without imposing additional accreditation, compliance, or administrative burdens on currently approved institutions.
Will this decision impact the portability of law degrees?
The Texas Supreme Court intends to preserve the portability of Texas law degrees to other states and out-of-state degrees into Texas, ensuring that the change does not disrupt the mobility of legal professionals.
Are other states considering similar actions?
Yes, states like Florida, Ohio, and Tennessee are also reevaluating their reliance on the ABA for law school oversight, reflecting a national trend toward reassessing accreditation processes and the role of national organizations in regulating legal education.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Decision Date | January 6, 2026 |
| Authority Transferred | Texas Supreme Court now has sole authority over law school accreditation for bar admissions. |
| Criteria for Accreditation | Simple, objective, and ideologically neutral criteria, such as bar exam passage rates. |
| Impact on Law Schools | No immediate changes to the current list of approved law schools; no additional accreditation burdens imposed. |
| National Context | Other states, including Florida, Ohio, and Tennessee, are considering ending their reliance on the ABA for law school oversight. |
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