Leveling the Playing Field: California Ends Legacy Admissions for Private Colleges

California has taken a significant step towards promoting merit-based admissions by banning legacy admissions at private colleges and universities that accept state funding. This move aims to ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to get ahead through hard work and skill, rather than relying on family connections or wealth. Legacy admissions, which favor applicants who are related to alumni or donors, have been a long-standing practice in many private institutions. However, critics argue that this system perpetuates inequality and limits access to higher education for underrepresented minority students. With the signing of AB1780, California joins Maryland as the only states to outlaw legacy admissions at private institutions. The new law, which takes effect in 2025, prohibits private colleges and universities that receive state funding from considering an applicant's family connections or wealth when making admission decisions. Instead, institutions will focus on a student's academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. The ban is seen as a victory for students who cannot rely on family connections or wealth to gain admission to top institutions. "Students spoke up and California lawmakers listened," said Ryan Cieslikowski, a recent Stanford graduate and lead organizer for Class Action, a nonprofit that has been pushing for similar bans across the country. The new law also aims to address systemic barriers that prevent underrepresented minority students from accessing higher education. "In light of last year's Supreme Court ruling on race-conscious admissions, we have had to double down on removing systemic barriers" that prevent Black, Latino, Native, and other students of color from accessing higher education, said Jessie Ryan, president of the nonprofit Campaign for College Opportunity.