Fact Check: "The agency, which accredits Tulane, did not comment."
What We Know
Tulane University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which is responsible for ensuring the quality of degree-granting institutions in the U.S. According to the SACSCOC, Tulane's accreditation was last reaffirmed in 2022, with the next decennial reaffirmation process scheduled for 2031-2032 (SACSCOC Institutional Accreditation). The SACSCOC provides a structured process for institutions to demonstrate compliance with accreditation standards, including submitting a compliance certification report and a Quality Enhancement Plan (SACSCOC Institutional Accreditation).
In addition to SACSCOC, Tulane University Police Department is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). CALEA has a public comment portal that allows individuals to provide feedback on the department's compliance with standards, but it explicitly states that there will be no response to submissions other than an acknowledgment (CALEA Public Comment Portal). This indicates that while feedback is welcomed, it does not imply that the agency will provide comments or engage in dialogue regarding specific issues raised.
Analysis
The claim that "the agency, which accredits Tulane, did not comment" lacks context regarding which agency is being referenced. If the claim pertains to SACSCOC, it is important to note that accreditation bodies typically do not comment on specific institutions unless there are significant issues that warrant a public statement. The SACSCOC's role is primarily to assess compliance with accreditation standards rather than to engage in public discourse about individual institutions (SACSCOC Institutional Accreditation).
If the claim refers to CALEA, the agency's public comment portal indicates that while feedback is collected, it does not engage in direct commentary or responses to individual submissions (CALEA Public Comment Portal). This aligns with standard practices of accreditation agencies, which often prioritize institutional integrity and compliance over public commentary.
Both SACSCOC and CALEA are reputable organizations in their respective fields. SACSCOC is recognized for its rigorous accreditation processes, while CALEA is known for its focus on law enforcement standards. However, the lack of comment from these agencies does not necessarily imply negligence or lack of oversight; rather, it reflects their operational protocols.
Conclusion
Needs Research. The claim that "the agency, which accredits Tulane, did not comment" requires further clarification regarding which agency is being referenced and the context of the comment. While it is accurate that both SACSCOC and CALEA do not typically engage in public commentary, this is standard practice for accreditation bodies. More specific information about the circumstances surrounding the claim would be necessary to evaluate its validity fully.
Sources
- SACSCOC Institutional Accreditation
- CALEA Public Comment Portal | Tulane Public Safety
- The BSPH Degree | Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
- ACCREDITING ORGANIZATION PROGRAMS INITIAL ...
- Program of Nursing Accreditation | Tulane School of Medicine
- NAAB Accreditation - Tulane School of Architecture
- Accredited Educator Preparation Provider
- Accreditation & Compliance