TaxProf reports, via the Atlanta Journal Constitution, on the refusal of Emory University to audit data used by U.S. News and World Report which resulted in a precipitous drop in Emory Law School’s ranking:

Emory University has no plans to audit the data used to rate its graduate programs, even though leaders recently revealed the college submitted inflated undergraduate admissions data used by rankings publications.

College officials also refused to release the investigative report about the inflated data. As a private university Emory doesn’t have to share the report, but Claremont McKenna College, another private college caught in a similar scandal, posted its findings online.

“I’m puzzled they didn’t release the report,” said Brian Kelly, U.S. News & World Report Editor and Chief Content Officer. “If I’m a consumer, I’m suspicious.” U.S. News is one of several publications that received Emory’s incorrect information. It didn’t effect Emory’s No. 20 ranking, he said.

Still, Kelly questioned why Emory doesn’t take the initiative and review its graduate programs. Various publications rank law, business and medical schools.  ….

“These reporting issues concerned only undergraduate students,” spokeswoman Nancy Seideman said in an email. “Emory’s graduate and professional programs utilize separate admissions offices and procedures, and these findings in no way relate to data concerning graduate and professional admissions.”

Kelly, of U.S. News, said Emory is among several colleges that have had problems with law school rankings, particularly in the area of employment rates for graduates.

When U.S. News released law school rankings in March 2011 Emory dropped eight places to No. 30. The school rebounded to No. 24 this year when there were several big jumps.

When Emory dropped to 30, law school leaders blamed the decline on ranking methodology changes, even though similarly ranked schools didn’t have steep declines. U.S. News said new calculations provided a more accurate reflection of graduates’ employment.

Law schools at Villanova University and University of Illinois have been censured by the ABA for intentionally publishing false data about its students. The ABA also fined Illinois $250,000.