Democrats are trying again to ban legacy admissions and cut financial aid from schools that continue to use them.
Democrats are trying again to ban legacy admissions and cut financial aid from schools that continue to use them.
A group of Democratic lawmakers are taking a stand against legacy admissions, with the revival of the Fair College Admissions for Students Act. The bill aims to put an end to the preferential treatment given to children of donors and alumni in college admissions. This move comes on the heels of the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down affirmative action in college admissions.
The legislation, introduced by Democratic Senators Jeff Merkley and Chris Van Hollen, along with Democratic Representative Jamaal Bowman, seeks to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965. The proposed changes would prohibit schools that give preference to legacy students from participating in the federal student aid program. The Secretary of Education would also have the authority to determine if legacy preference for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) is in the best interest of their students.
During a press conference, Senator Merkley emphasized the impact of legacy admissions on qualified individuals from financially challenged backgrounds or minority communities. He stated that every seat reserved for children of donors and alumni denies an opportunity for a more qualified candidate. Merkley described legacy admissions as a form of affirmative action for the affluent and well-connected, which does not serve the country well.
The Supreme Court’s decision on affirmative action has intensified scrutiny on legacy admissions practices. Following the ruling, the Education Department launched an inquiry into Harvard’s admissions process. The investigation was prompted by allegations from three groups claiming that the Ivy League school favored white and wealthy applicants over more qualified candidates of color.
Harvard responded by stating that it is examining its admissions data and is committed to providing equal opportunities for students from various backgrounds. Some prestigious institutions have already made the decision to end their legacy admissions practices. Johns Hopkins University and Amherst College discontinued the practice in 2009 and 2021, respectively. Wesleyan College’s President, Michael Roth, recently announced the end of legacy preferences, acknowledging the need to eliminate admission advantages given to ‘legacy applicants.’
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While the Democratic bill does not currently have bipartisan support, its sponsors remain determined to advocate for its passage. They believe that federal support for colleges and universities should not favor students from families who are big donors, but rather provide equal opportunities for all applicants.
Senator Van Hollen stressed the importance of ending hereditary privileges entrenched in many institutions. The goal is to level the playing field and ensure fairness in the college admissions process. Through this legislation, lawmakers aim to ensure that students without the same resources as children of alumni or donors have an equal shot at gaining admission to the college of their choice.
The revival of the Fair College Admissions for Students Act reflects a broader conversation on equity in education and the need to address unfair advantages in college admissions. As these discussions continue, it remains to be seen how the legislation will progress and if it will ultimately reshape the landscape of college admissions in the United States.
