California Breaks Ground by Ending Legacy Admissions at Private Universities

A Shift Toward Merit-Based Admissions

Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of fairness in educational opportunities. "In California, everyone should be able to get ahead through merit, skill, and hard work," he stated. "The California Dream shouldn’t be accessible to just a lucky few."

The new legislation targets the practice of legacy admissions, which has long been criticized for favoring wealthier applicants who often come from privileged backgrounds. By eliminating these preferences, the state aims to level the playing field for all students, regardless of their family's alumni status or financial contributions.

Universities Affected by the New Law

The ban applies to private, nonprofit colleges and universities that receive state funding, such as Cal Grants used by thousands of students. Prestigious institutions like Stanford University and the University of Southern California (USC) are among those impacted.

Starting September 1, 2025, these schools will be required to assess applicants without considering their connections to alumni or donors. While there are no direct financial penalties for non-compliance, institutions that violate the law must publicly disclose detailed information about their admissions practices, excluding student names.

Stanford University, which admitted 295 legacy students last fall—13.6% of its freshman class—stated that all admitted students met their admissions criteria. The university is currently reviewing its admissions policies in light of the new legislation.

Growing Momentum Against Legacy Admissions

California's decision follows Maryland's similar ban earlier this year, making them the only two states to outlaw legacy preferences at private colleges. Other states like Virginia, Illinois, and Colorado have banned the practice at public universities.

The movement to end legacy admissions has gained traction, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 ruling that prohibited race-conscious admissions policies. Critics argue that legacy preferences contribute to a lack of diversity on college campuses by giving an unfair advantage to applicants from affluent, often white, families.

Assembly Member Phil Ting, who authored the bill, described legacy admissions as "affirmative action for the wealthiest Americans." He advocated for admissions decisions to be based solely on a student's achievements and potential.

Additional Legislative Efforts to Promote Equity

The ban on legacy admissions is part of a broader initiative by California lawmakers to enhance access to higher education for underrepresented groups. Governor Newsom also signed two other bills aimed at supporting these students:

Senate Bill 1348: Introduced by Senator Steven Bradford, this bill establishes a "Black-Serving Institution" designation to recognize colleges that effectively enroll and graduate significant numbers of Black students while providing comprehensive support services.

Assembly Bill 2057: Authored by Assembly Member Marc Berman, this legislation streamlines the transfer process from community colleges to four-year universities, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs.

Looking Forward

As the 2025 implementation date approaches, California's private universities will need to adjust their admissions processes to comply with the new law. This pioneering move may inspire other states to consider similar measures, potentially leading to nationwide reforms in college admissions practices.

The elimination of legacy admissions represents a significant stride toward fairness in higher education. By focusing on merit and potential rather than personal connections, California is working to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to pursue their academic goals.