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Seventh-Day Adventists Influence Over La Sierra University Threatens Accreditation

RIVERSIDE (AP) — A college accrediting commission is concerned that Seventh-day Adventists may have too much influence over a Southern California liberal arts university established by the church nearly 90 years ago.

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges warned La Sierra University in a July 5 letter that the Riverside college must change the way it is run or risk a sanction that could eventually lead to de-accreditation.

The university is accredited through 2018.

The Riverside Press-Enterprise says the university would have years to change its policies if sanctions are imposed.

University president Randal Wisbey says in a letter to students and parents that the association is concerned about academic freedom and the religious influences in the university's teaching of biology.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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