California lawmakers have passed a bill banning legacy preferences in admissions at private nonprofit colleges, prohibiting admissions decisions based on family donations or connections. The move is seen as a response to the Supreme Court’s ban on affirmative action, signaling that college is accessible to all based on merit, not privilege. While only a handful of private institutions in California use legacy admissions, supporters believe the legislation will encourage low-income and minority students to apply to selective schools.
The bill, written by Assemblymember Philip Ting, aims to ensure that all students are admitted based on their own achievements, rather than family ties. However, critics argue that the impact will be minimal, as few colleges in California use legacy admissions. The legislation could potentially influence student decisions and address concerns about the value of higher education, especially as more students question the need for a college degree.
While the bill does not impose significant penalties on colleges, it requires them to comply with the ban on legacy preferences. Supporters believe that ending legacy admissions is a step towards creating a more equitable admissions process and promoting diversity on college campuses. However, it remains unclear how students will react to the legislation or the broader implications of the affirmative action ban.
The bill, if signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, will take effect in 2025 and prohibit colleges from considering legacy or donor connections in admissions. Overall, the legislation represents a push towards a fairer admissions process and increased access to higher education for all students in California.
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