Dr. Volk stated that the ASCC colleges applied to CCE because "... it has been difficult to maintain USDE recognition of the Straight Chiropractic Academic Standards Association (SCASA) in the face of the strenuous opposition from the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards (FCLB)." On September 4, 1992, Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander notified SCASA that its accreditation would expire June 4, 1993, that "SCASA has not established that, as an overall matter, it is a reliable authority as to the quality of training at schools within the scope of its accreditation activities."
Dr. Volk said the SCASA colleges are "encouraged by a recent letter from the CCE Commission stating the agency would be respectful of ASCC institutions' missions and the programs that support those missions." The ASCC colleges noted further encouragement from Dr. Marino Passero writing to the ASCC as chairman of the CCE's Commission on Accreditation:
"We again invite you, however, to apply for status. We also commit to work with you constructively and in good faith to expedite the accreditation process and to resolve whenever possible, issues that properly can be resolved in a way to provide the professional unity that both of our organizations have sought for so long."The words of CCE President James Winterstein, DC, at the time of Lamar Alexander's decision now seem prophetic:
"I believe that the profession would be best served if all educational institutions would adhere to one set of educational standards. The actions taken by Secretary Alexander provide the opportunity for this situation to become a reality."The initial procedure for the three colleges to establish eligibility to apply for accreditation is underway. The colleges are individually in the process of submitting materials that relate to 1) degree granting; 2) charter; 3) professional ethics; 4) compliance; 5) board action; 6) governance; 7) chief executive officer; 8) facilities, equipment, organization, finances; 9) mission, objectives, programs; and 10) a five-year plan. The timetables for completion of the process will vary among the colleges.
Dr. Volk concluded: "The ASCC colleges hope that with CCE's current policy, respecting institutional autonomy, and its colleges applying to CCE, the foundation for greater unity within the educational component of the chiropractic profession has been substantially advanced. The ASCC member colleges look forward to joining the greater community of colleges in meeting the exciting educational and research challenges that face our profession."
Considering the long road that both the ASCC colleges and the CCE have traveled separately, the prospect of unity within chiropractic education is very exciting. All parties should be supported in their efforts to resolve whatever differences may still remain.
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