HIGHER EDUCATION BUBBLE UPDATE, LEGAL EDUCATION EDITION: Revised Bar Passage Law School Accreditation Standard Threatens Compliance With Diversity Standard.

On the one hand, the amendment to Standard 206 (Diversity and Inclusion) would strengthen the obligation that law schools “demonstrate by concrete action a commitment to diversity and inclusion.” On the other hand, the revised Standard 316 (Bar Passage) would hamstring the ability of law schools to comply with Standard 206 by toughening the bar passage requirement for accreditation.

Consistent with changes enacted in August 2014, proposed Standard 206 reinforces that law schools must provide an environment embracing diversity and inclusion; offer members of underrepresented groups, especially racial and ethnic minorities, the opportunity to study law and enter the profession; and have a diverse faculty, staff and student body. . . .

In short, what Standard 206 would giveth, Standard 316 would taketh away.

Our institutions are big on demanding incompatible things, then claiming unfairness when the contradictions strike.