USDE OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS NOTIFICATIONS AND NECHE's ROLE
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
As widely noted in the press, Harvard University received a letter on June 30, 2025 from the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (USDE OCR) notifying the institution that USDE’s OCR and the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (DHHS OCR) had found Harvard University in violation of federal antidiscrimination laws.
In response to questions and inquiries received following USDE’s letter, the Commission has prepared this Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to answer questions related to its role regarding OCR findings.
Is the Commission aware of investigations being conducted by USDE OCR?
Yes, the Commission is aware of OCR investigations regarding its member institutions either through pending cases listed on OCR’s website or through institutional notifications. The Commission takes its role seriously with regard to any investigations faced by its institutions to ensure appropriate monitoring and action in accordance with Commission policy and procedures as outlined below. To date, the Commission has been in communication with each institution that is being investigated and has asked for an update from the institution when the investigation is complete.
Is the Commission notified of the outcome of OCR Investigations?
The Commission does expect to receive notice of noncompliance findings given the April 23, 2025 Executive Order (EO) wherein President Trump directed the Secretary of Education to “promptly provide to accreditors any noncompliance findings relating to member institutions issued after an investigation conducted by the Office of Civil Rights under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.) or Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.)
Does this mean an institution under investigation loses its accreditation?
No.
Can the federal government direct the Commission to revoke accreditation of a member institution?
No. The Commission determines when an institution is not in compliance with its Standards for Accreditation and takes appropriate action based on that determination. The Commission’s policies and procedures, in accord with federal regulation, give institutions up to four years to come into compliance when found by the Commission to be out of compliance, which can be extended for good cause. Institutions in a non-compliance status remain accredited during this period of time.
What steps does the Commission take in response to OCR investigation findings?
The Commission follows its monitoring processes in accord with its Policy on Dealing with Unsolicited Information and its Policy on the Review of Accredited Institutions. As noted: In all cases, the Commission will give appropriate consideration to significant accreditation- related information revealed about an institution between periods of scheduled review. Following review of the information by staff, the institution will be given an adequate period of time to respond to the information. If, after reviewing the response, Commission staff determines that the information is material to Commission’s Standards for Accreditation and policies, the information and documentation, along with the institution’s response, will be forwarded to the Commission or its Executive Committee for review and appropriate action.
Where can I find more information about accreditation?
In addition to the information available on NECHE’s website, you can visit the United States Department of Education’s website for more information. For state-specific information, visit your state’s higher education authorizing agency.
