California lawmakers have passed a bill to ban legacy admissions at private nonprofit colleges in the state. The bill aims to ensure that students are admitted based on merit rather than family connections or financial donations. If signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, California would join four other states in outlawing legacy preferences in admissions. The move comes in response to a Supreme Court ruling that banned the use of race in admissions, prompting lawmakers to address inequities in college access.
The bill, introduced by Assemblymember Philip Ting, is intended to signal to students, especially those from low-income and minority backgrounds, that college is accessible based on their own achievements. While the legislation impacts only a handful of private colleges in California that consider legacy in admissions, supporters believe it will have a significant cultural impact on students’ perceptions of higher education and the value of attending college.
Opponents of the bill, including private college advocates, express concerns about increased oversight and potential budget implications. However, supporters emphasize the importance of ensuring fair and equitable admissions practices to promote diversity and equal access to higher education. The bill, if signed into law, would go into effect in 2025, prohibiting schools from using legacy or donor connections as factors in admissions decisions.
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