[ The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: 6/17/02 ] Accreditation problems trouble Life students By LARRY HARTSTEIN Atlanta Journal-Constitution Staff Writer His commencement address was over, and Sid Williams had gotten a standing ovation and certificate of appreciation. Instead of sitting down, the Life University founder re-took the podium. "Remember this," he told several hundred in the Life gymnasium Sunday. "It ain't over til it's over." Williams referred, of course, to last week's announcement that Life's chiropractic program had lost accreditation. It was one of just a few mentions during an otherwise festive ceremony. Because Life is appealing the ruling, the 276 chiropractic graduates who crossed the gym stage in morning and afternoon exercises can take their remaining national board exams. Students must pass those tests to get a chiropractic license. "The past week has been stressful; the timing of [the revocation] was really inappropriate," graduate Robert Stewart, 29, said during the reception. He plans to return to his hometown of Tallahassee to do an apprenticeship. "But overall, it's another hurdle that chiropractors have to face and conquer," he added. "It's a political game they're playing." Stewart and some other students said Life is being punished for preaching the "straight" philosophy of chiropractic, which holds that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself once spinal interferences are corrected. The accrediting agency, the Council on Chiropractic Education, wants the university to train its students to consider disease symptoms, too. Williams, who is resigning as president in March, said he remains at peace despite the turmoil surrounding the Marietta school. "This is not a war against Life University," he said. "It's a war against chiropractic, and I want you to remember that." Williams urged the graduates, who included his son John, to "love, serve and give." That formula, he said, will lead to material and spiritual wealth. Valedictorian Shernette Daley made no mention of accreditation during her speech. She thanked the administration and faculty and called Life "the most prestigious chiropractic institution in the entire world." But if the accrediting agency does not reverse its decision, future Life graduates won't be able to practice. In the past week, more than 200 Life students have called another leading chiropractic college asking about the possibility of transfers.