Georgia joining university systems in other red states to create agency to review quality standards

A man in a black suit and a blue tie looks to the left.
Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue speaks to media at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Ellabell, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Georgia is joining the Texas A&M System and university systems from four other Republican-led states to create a new agency to set quality standards for their schools.

The move comes amid Republican criticism of higher education accrediting agencies, which they say are partly responsible for promoting diversity, equity and inclusion programs, and reinforcing liberal bias in the country’s colleges and universities.

Officials with Texas A&M, State University System of Florida, University System of Georgia, University of Tennessee System, University of North Carolina System and University of South Carolina System said in a news release Thursday they will create a new agency to accredit them. They are calling the new body the Commission for Public Higher Education.