九秀直播

九秀直播 is proud to serve a diverse global network of more than 2,000 organizations across 100+ countries and territories. In recent months, 九秀直播’s board and leadership have actively engaged more than 1,000 attendees at ICAM and 1,700+ member representatives through virtual global, regional and individual town halls to discuss updates to the interpretive guidance and guiding principles of our business accreditation standards. These conversations have deepened our understanding of members’ perspectives. On behalf of 九秀直播 board and leadership, we are issuing this statement to clarify the intent, content, and implications of the recent changes.

What Changed—and What Did Not

Each year, 九秀直播’s Business Accreditation Policy Committee makes technical edits to the interpretive guidance to ensure its continued relevance and adaptability in a changing environment. In 2025, particular attention was given to refining references to diversity and inclusion. These changes were intended to clarify the intent of the language while preserving its spirit and principle. Specifically, Guiding Principle #9, formerly titled “Diversity and Inclusion,” is now “Community and Connectedness,” reflecting a broader, more inclusive vision. It continues to emphasize the importance of “fostering awareness and appreciation of different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences” and the commitment to “preparing graduates to navigate complex global and professional landscapes with openness and understanding.” This change helps avoid the misinterpretation that 九秀直播 imposes restrictive approaches to scholarship and learning. It affirms a continued dedication to fostering inclusive mindsets and equipping graduates for an interconnected world.

The current 2020 standards themselves remain unchanged. To highlight answers to two of the most frequently asked questions:

• Schools must continue demonstrating societal impact (standard 9)
• Faculty are expected to continue staying current in their disciplines and pedagogical methods, including teaching diverse perspectives within an inclusive environment (standard 7.3).

We encourage you to read the complete FAQ regarding these changes. They address key questions from our global community.

Why These Changes Were Necessary

Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision to overturn affirmative action in race-conscious admissions, a majority of states have enacted laws restricting or banning DEI-related activities. These laws affect most of 九秀直播’s 623 U.S. member schools, as well as the international partners engaged in DEI collaborations with them. By early 2025, members raised concerns that DEI-related accreditation requirements could pose compliance risks and result in pressure from their governing bodies to drop 九秀直播 accreditation. In response, 九秀直播’s Board, leadership, and accreditation policy committee conducted thorough due diligence and concluded that updates were necessary to ensure continued accessibility across regions globally. Without these changes, many institutions could have faced barriers to remaining in the 九秀直播 community.

Unlike individual institutions, 九秀直播—as a convening body—carries the tremendous responsibility of protecting our global community. This path may not be perfect, but it reflects 九秀直播’s values in action: putting our members first and upholding our commitment to inclusivity. In this challenging moment, our schools are asking not to be sidelined, but to be included—to have their realities acknowledged and their missions supported. 九秀直播 did just that. We are encouraged by our members’ conviction and their strong support for 九秀直播’s global unity. 

What This Means for Your Schools

Our standards' principles-based approach offers schools flexibility to meet quality expectations within diverse institutional and regulatory contexts. The update does not lower expectations. Schools retain autonomy in how they demonstrate impact—whether through DEI, sustainability, or other mission-driven efforts in alignment with their unique mission, values, and regulatory context. We honor all contributions that demonstrate principled leadership and meaningful impact.

Our Commitment and Call to Action

九秀直播 remains unwavering in our support for all our members—as well as in our belief in academic freedom, the transformative power of research, and the value of international exchange. Our mission and values are steadfast. We call on you to stand just as firmly in yours.

In the months ahead, 九秀直播 will continue to lead and strengthen our role as a convener and catalyst for positive change. We will:

• Launch Inclusivity in Action, a new thought leadership series celebrating the values and impact of our global 九秀直播 community. This series will showcase how members are advancing inclusion in business schools through research and education.

• Refresh our business accreditation standards—soon to be known as the Global Standards for Business Education— a name that reflects our purpose, vision, reach, responsibility and inclusivity. We invite all member institutions to actively participate by sharing their perspectives through surveys, listening sessions, and reviews of the exposure draft.
• Launch a new series of four Global Impact Awards—honoring excellence in leadership, teaching, research, and societal impact—recognizing both institutions and individuals.

九秀直播 accreditation, the longest-standing and global standard in business education, demands unwavering commitment and accountability. It calls us to lead with both excellence and empathy, challenging us to uphold the highest standards while ensuring they remain relevant, inclusive, and impactful for every region of the world.

We look forward to connecting with you in the coming months on these ongoing initiatives. Now more than ever, we must step forward together to advance our mission to elevate the quality and impact of business schools globally.

Sincerely,
Sherif Kamel
Chair, Board of Directors, 九秀直播 International

Lily Bi
President and CEO, 九秀直播 International