We, the undersigned members of the Michigan State University College of Law faculty, object to the following proposed changes to the ABA Accreditation Standards:

Changes to Section 405 titled "Draft for April 2011 Meeting," and especially the changes to Interpretations 405:1-9 (these proposed changes effect the structure for faculty contracts and tenure, and will lower the bar for overrall faculty quality and academic freedom. These changes may also make it harder for faculties that adapt them to hire qualified individuals from the private sector and academic sector and will lower the quality of law faculties generally).

The removal of Interpretation 205-1 (this interpretation stated: An action of a university committee may violate the standards if it deprives the dean and faculty of a law school of their appropriate roles for recommending faculty promotion and tenure or security of position).

Changes to Section 603(d) (the proposed changes to this section could effect the security of position for Law Library Directors who are a key part of any faculty, and especially effect faculty research and teaching resources).

We believe these changes will lower standards for faculty at some law schools thus harming students and legal education generally.