Trump Administration Considers Future of Beauty School Accreditor Affecting Thousands of Students

<p>The Trump administration is evaluating the future of the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), which oversees approximately 1,300 beauty and cosmetology schools and more than 120,000 students. This decision may impact the administration's broader efforts to reform higher education accreditation.</p><p>President Donald Trump, during his 2024 campaign, expressed intentions to remove what he termed 'radical left accreditors' and referred to accreditation as a tool against colleges he believes are influenced by the political left.</p><p>The current case before the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) differs from previous discussions regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requirements. Instead, it focuses on whether NACCAS has met federal standards and the implications of any non-compliance.</p><p>NACCAS claims to accredit around 1,300 institutions that provide education in cosmetology, beauty, and related fields. Recognition by a DOE-approved accreditor is essential for schools to access federal student aid programs.</p><p>Staff from the DOE identified issues with NACCAS but suggested that its federal recognition continue with certain restrictions and additional monitoring while it works towards compliance. Conversely, the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI) voted 9-3 in July to recommend that the DOE deny NACCAS renewed recognition.</p><p>The DOE has yet to reach a final decision. According to the DOE, accreditor recognition is reviewed every five years through a three-step process involving recommendations from DOE staff, NACIQI, and a senior department official who makes the final decision.</p><p>Some students have expressed concern regarding the potential loss of federal funding that they rely on to attend beauty school. Aliyah Fernandez, a recent graduate from the Hollywood Institute of Beauty, stated that federal aid was crucial for her education. She emphasized the importance of being able to support her daughter while pursuing her career.</p><p>Blythe Fields, another student, shared her experience of financing her education out of pocket, which she described as financially burdensome. She highlighted the flexibility of a cosmetology career as essential for her future as a mother.</p><p>Fernandez and Fields have initiated a petition urging the DOE to allow NACCAS a monitored improvement period instead of outright denial of recognition. They argue that many individuals depend on NACCAS for their educational opportunities.</p><p>During discussions about NACCAS, Zakiya Smith Ellis, a former DOE official under the Obama administration, advocated for denying NACCAS renewed recognition, citing previous opportunities for compliance and concerns about student debt and earnings.</p><p>In contrast, Robert Eitel, a former DOE official during Trump's first term, argued for corrective measures rather than denial of recognition, emphasizing the potential negative impact on schools and students.</p><p>The situation highlights a divergence from Trump's earlier executive order, which directed the DOE to investigate whether accreditors enforce unlawful discrimination through DEI standards. The current review of NACCAS focuses on compliance and oversight issues.</p><p>Smith Ellis has defended DEI policies publicly and did not respond to inquiries regarding her stance on NACCAS. Fields noted that beauty careers often receive less recognition compared to other skilled trades, which she believes contributes to the challenges faced by the industry.</p><p>The White House, NACCAS, and the Hollywood Institute of Beauty have not provided comments regarding the ongoing situation.</p>