
Florida vs Department of Education: Implications and Background:
Redefining State Control in Higher Education
On June 21, 2023, Florida filed a lawsuit (Florida vs Department of Education) challenging higher education accreditation practices. The lawsuit questions the role of state governments in governing institutions and aims to reshape the Department of Education’s authority over accreditation. Florida’s case revolves around two main points: the constitutionality of outsourcing quality assessment to non-governmental entities and the ability of institutions to change accrediting bodies without federal restrictions. This lawsuit has significant implications for the balance between federal oversight and state autonomy in education.