DURHAM--- Students at North Carolina Central University's School of Law are defending their school against the American Bar Association.

The ABA sent a letter to the school earlier this month saying it was out of compliance with regards to admissions. The ABA claims the school has low admissions standards by accepting students not capable of passing the bar exam to practice law.

“They look at the totality of the student. They just don't look at their test scores or how well they performed in school,” says student Rachel Chang, defending the school.

According to the ABA, when NCCU law school students took the July bar exam, only 54% of students passed, one of the lowest rates in the state.

“I absolutely feel like our school is preparing us to take the bar. Ultimately, it's up to the student to put their best foot forward,” says student Aviance Brown.

School Dean Phyllis Craig-Taylor released this statement:

As Dean of the NCCU School of Law school, I have the opportunity each day to witness firsthand the promise that legal education offers to our students, their families and, ultimately, to the people of North Carolina who they will serve upon graduation. We have always utilized a holistic approach to admissions and closely review each applicant’s full application package in weighing our admissions decision. In light of the communication from the ABA, we are implementing more data analytics and examining our admissions process. With new standards and new interpretations, new strategies and approaches are necessary. We are committed to doing everything that is required to achieve student success.

The school has until February 1st  to respond to the ABA.