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California Enacts Ban on Legacy Admissions in Higher Education Institutions

California has passed legislation banning legacy admissions at all higher education institutions within the state. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill in September, which is set to take effect in September 2025. The new law prohibits universities from considering an applicant’s familial ties to the institution or the financial contributions made by donors during the admissions process, with the aim of enhancing equity among applicants.

Implications for Private Universities

While the University of California system has not factored legacy or donor status into its admissions decisions for several years, the new law may have significant implications for private universities in California that currently incorporate these elements into their admission criteria. Prominent institutions, such as the University of Southern California, Stanford University, Santa Clara University, and the Claremont Colleges, have historically included legacy connections and donations as part of their evaluation processes for candidates.

Legislation’s Objective

California Assemblymember Phil Ting, the author of the bill, noted that the legislation aligns with fairness principles in education by ensuring that admission decisions prioritize merit over financial contributions or family connections. Ting asserted that factors such as academic performance and diverse experiences should take precedence in the admissions process.

University Responses

In response to the legislation, the University of Southern California stated that all its students have met the high academic standards required for enrollment and indicated that many colleges support the newly enacted law.

Impact on Student Demographics

Research suggests that eliminating legacy admissions could alter the demographics of student bodies. For example, legacy admissions reportedly offer students a 37% chance of being admitted to the college their parents attended, in contrast to an 11% chance at similarly prestigious institutions for which the applicants’ parents are not alumni.

Criticism of Legacy Admissions

Critics of legacy admissions point to disparities in representation, noting that a significant proportion of legacy students typically come from affluent backgrounds and are predominantly white. Studies indicate that approximately 65% of legacy students hail from families in the top 5% of income earners.

Student Support

At UCLA, student responses to the legislative change have been largely supportive. Will Ryan, a second-year philosophy student and member of Bruin Democrats, stated that college admissions should emphasize academic merit rather than financial means.

Collaboration with Advocates

Ting collaborated closely with the student-led organization Class Action, which advocates for equitable admissions practices. Ryan Cieslikowski, a co-founder of Class Action, highlighted the issue of banning legacy admissions as a priority for students.

Support from Advocacy Groups

The initiative has received backing from various organizations, including Hispanas Organized for Political Equality and the Campaign for College Opportunity, both of which aim to assist students disadvantaged by legacy admission policies.

Potential Benefits for Latino Students

María Morales, statewide policy director for HOPE, remarked that the law could create more opportunities for Latino students pursuing higher education, especially since many are first-generation college attendees.

Skepticism About Effectiveness

Despite the advancements proposed by the ban, some individuals remain skeptical about its efficacy in addressing equity challenges within education. Valerie Johnson, legislative affairs manager at the Campaign for College Opportunity, emphasized the importance of affirmative action, which was recently prohibited by a Supreme Court ruling, as a key means of improving diversity in colleges.

Concerns About Affirmative Action

Eddie R. Cole, a UCLA professor of education and history, warned that the new regulations might inadvertently reduce advantages for those who previously benefited from affirmative action policies, particularly impacting families seeking to gain admission without alumni status.

Broader Discussions on Equity

The passage of California’s legislation regarding legacy admissions has initiated broader discussions about equity, merit, and diversity within the state’s higher education sector.

Source: Daily Bruin

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