Westmoreland County Community College may face sanctions if it does not do away with political influences that impact hiring and daily operations.

The Middles States Commission on Higher Education, an agency that accredits Pennsylvania colleges, says it is concerned that county commissioners are trying to influence the school's hiring practices. The board has given the school until Sept. 1 to have a plan in place to fix these problems.

Community College President Steven Ender has complained that he and the school's trustees have been pressured to hire friends and political acquaintances of the county commissioners.

The Middles States Commission will meet on Nov. 20 to decide whether to take action against the college.