Major Business School Accreditor Drops DEI Language
Credit: Brooks Kraft / Corbis / Getty Images- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) dropped diversity and inclusion from its guiding principles for accredited schools in a February update.
- The AACSB replaced that language with “community and connectedness.”
- The move comes amid nationwide attacks on DEI.
- The American Bar Association also suspended DEI enforcement.
A top business school accreditor is the latest higher education organization to drop diversity and inclusion language.
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which accredits some of the globe’s top business schools, removed “diversity and inclusion” from its guiding principles for accredited schools in a February update.
The AACSB replaced that language with “community and connectedness.”
The move to drop diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) language comes amid nationwide attacks on DEI at both the state and federal levels. States across the country have enacted laws to ban DEI initiatives at colleges, and President Donald Trump has moved to end equity initiatives.
The changes were first reported by the Financial Times.
The AACSB released an FAQ page on the changes, and noted that the changes “reflect the evolving global and political landscape.”
“DEI terminology has become politically charged in the U.S., with the current administration issuing two executive orders and the Department of Education releasing a Dear Colleague letter, signaling a significant shift in federal policy,” that page reads.
“These changes increase the risk of potential impacts on accreditation, institutional funding, and nonprofit status.”
The AACSB noted it has “received numerous inquiries from schools in [states that have enacted measures restricting DEI-related initiatives] expressing concern about potential risks associated with DEI language in accreditation standards.”
“To support and protect our members and mitigate risk while staying true to our mission of elevating the quality and impact of business schools globally, AACSB removed or rephrased the terms ‘diversity’ and ‘inclusion’ and their derivatives from the standards,” the page reads.
The AACSB said its core values, which include inclusivity, remain unchanged and that the organization is still committed to societal impact.
Community and Connectedness Replaces Diversity and Inclusion
A version of the AACSB standards from July 2023 states that the AACSB “emphasizes and models the values of quality, diversity
and inclusion, a global mindset, ethics, social responsibility, and community,” in ensuring business schools have a positive impact on society.
A newly revised set of standards removes language around diversity, and instead emphasizes community.
“A strong sense of community and meaningful connections enhance the educational experience and contribute to excellence in business education,” the revised standards read.
“Every institution operates within a unique cultural and historical context shaped by its traditions, values, societal influences, and regulatory contexts.”
That focus on community and connectedness means schools are “expected to cultivate an environment that values engagement, mutual respect, and collaboration among all students, faculty, and stakeholders,” the document reads.
“By fostering awareness and appreciation of different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, schools prepare graduates to
navigate complex global and professional landscapes with openness and understanding.”
The AACSB isn’t the only major accreditor to drop DEI language in recent months: The American Bar Association also suspended its law school DEI rule enforcement.