By Bob Allen
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools plans to investigate media reports that documents submitted leading to reaffirmation of Louisiana College’s accreditation in December may have been forged, The Town Talk newspaper in Alexandria, La., reported March 12.
“Obviously it’s something of concern to us, and we will investigate,” the newspaper quoted Michael Johnson, senior vice president and chief of staff at SACS, one of six regional accrediting organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
The allegations surfaced last week after The Town Talk and Pulpit & Pen blog obtained previously internal documents indicating that trustee leaders were aware of allegations that documents were doctored, but did not self-report the information to SACS.
After SACS reaffirmed the Louisiana Baptist Convention-affiliated school, Louisiana College issued a press release declaring President Joe Aguillard “fully exonerated” of allegations in two whistleblower reports that led to a meeting last April where trustees voted 17-13 to let him keep his job.
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