Summary
California has enacted a law banning legacy admissions and donor preferences at private universities, ensuring that familial connections or financial contributions will no longer influence admissions decisions. Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, the law is set to take effect in September 2025 and applies to institutions such as Stanford University and the University of Southern California.
The move comes in the wake of heightened scrutiny over admissions practices, particularly following the Supreme Court’s ruling that limited race-based affirmative action policies. Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of merit-based admissions, stating that the new law aims to level the playing field for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background. This legislation aligns California with other states like Maryland, which has already banned such practices, and reflects a growing national conversation about fairness in college admissions. Critics of legacy admissions argue that they perpetuate inequality and favor wealthier, predominantly white applicants, undermining the principles of equity and meritocracy in higher education.
Key Details of the Legislation
- Effective Date: The law will go into effect on September 1, 2025, with its impact on admissions visible from the fall of 2026.
- Scope: It applies to private, nonprofit institutions across California, including prestigious schools like Stanford and USC, which have historically admitted a significant percentage of legacy students.
- Legislative Background: Assemblymember Phil Ting, who authored the bill, has campaigned against legacy admissions since the 2019 college admissions scandal, advocating for reforms that prioritize academic qualifications over familial ties.
Implications for Higher Education
This legislation is part of a broader trend toward reforming college admissions practices in the U.S. The ban on legacy admissions may lead to a more diverse student body, as it removes a significant advantage that wealthier families have historically enjoyed. It also signals a shift in how colleges and universities are expected to approach admissions criteria, focusing on students’ individual achievements rather than their family connections.
The law requires institutions to submit annual reports to ensure compliance, although it does not impose financial penalties for non-compliance. This aspect has raised questions about the enforcement of the law and how effectively it will be implemented across various universities. Overall, California’s move to eliminate legacy admissions reflects ongoing efforts to promote equity and access in higher education.
California bans legacy admissions at private colleges and universities
Oct. 1 / Nbc News / This article offers a straightforward account of the ban with a clear emphasis on its impact on private universities. It includes key quotes from lawmakers and highlights the law's alignment with national trends. “ California is banning legacy admissions at private colleges and universities, ensuring that some of the country’s most selective schools will not favor...
How social media is helping locate the missing after Helene | The Excerpt
Oct. 1 / Usa Today / Highlights the historical context of legacy admissions in California, providing a comprehensive background that enriches understanding. It also mentions compliance reporting, addressing practical aspects of the law. “ On Tuesday’s episode of The Excerpt podcast: USA TODAY Breaking News Reporter Christopher Cann explains how people are using social media to locate missing...
California bans legacy admissions in all colleges, universities
Sep. 30 / Abc News / Presents a thorough exploration of the implications for admissions practices, detailing the expected changes at affected universities. It raises important questions about compliance and accountability. “ California has become the fourth state to ban legacy admissions in the college application process , a practice that has long been criticized as favoring...
California bans legacy admissions in all colleges, universities
Sep. 30 / Abc News / Offers a concise overview, quoting Governor Newsom effectively to emphasize the law's commitment to meritocracy. It connects the ban to national trends, though it could benefit from more in-depth analysis. “ California has become the fourth state to ban legacy admissions in the college application process , a practice that has long been criticized as favoring...
Gavin Newsom Signs Law Banning College Legacy Admissions
Oct. 1 / Newsweek / Highlighting the historical context of legacy admissions, this article provides a critical analysis of the implications for diversity in higher education. It discusses the broader national trends, enhancing its relevance. “ California Governor signed a bill on Monday banning private, nonprofit colleges from legacy admissions processes. The law, which takes effect in September...
Gavin Newsom Signs Law Banning College Legacy Admissions
Oct. 1 / Newsweek / Highlights the enforcement mechanisms of the new law, raising critical questions about compliance and accountability. This focus on practical implications adds a necessary layer of scrutiny to the discussion. “ California Governor signed a bill on Monday banning private, nonprofit colleges from legacy admissions processes. The law, which takes effect in September...
Gavin Newsom Signs Law Banning College Legacy Admissions
Oct. 1 / Newsweek / Analyzes the broader implications of the law within the context of national conversations about fairness in admissions. It incorporates relevant statistics, making it informative for readers seeking data-driven insights. “ California Governor signed a bill on Monday banning private, nonprofit colleges from legacy admissions processes. The law, which takes effect in September...
California bans universities from admitting students based on ‘legacy’ - The Guardian US
Oct. 1 / Google News / With a focus on the implications for major universities like Stanford and USC, this piece emphasizes the significance of the ban. It also underscores the recent Supreme Court ruling's influence on admissions policies. “ California bans universities from admitting students based on ‘legacy’ The Guardian USCalifornia bans legacy and donor preferences in admissions at private,...
California bans universities from admitting students based on ‘legacy’
Oct. 1 / The Guardian / Focuses on the legislative process and the authorship of the bill, giving insight into the political landscape surrounding the issue. It includes compelling quotes from key figures that enhance its authority. “ The rule, in effect from September 2025, will block colleges from giving preference to pupils close to alumni and donors
California bans legacy admissions at private colleges - KTLA Los Angeles
Sep. 30 / Google News / A focused piece that highlights the enforcement mechanisms of the new law, it raises important questions about compliance and accountability. This critical angle adds depth to the discussion of the legislation's effectiveness. “ California bans legacy admissions at private colleges KTLA Los AngelesCalifornia bans legacy and donor preferences in admissions at private, nonprofit...
Legacy students no longer have an advantage at Stanford and other private California colleges
Sep. 30 / Business Insider / This report captures the essence of the new law while referencing the historical context of legacy admissions. It emphasizes the importance of merit-based admissions, making it a useful resource for understanding the topic. “ California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a ban on legacy preference in admissions for private colleges. It's the second state to ban the practice at private...
California Bans Legacy Admissions at Private Universities
Sep. 30 / The New York Times / The piece presents a well-rounded perspective on the legislation, incorporating insights from Assemblyman Phil Ting. It effectively connects the ban to the larger issues of fairness and equity in higher education. “ The change will affect Stanford University, the University of Southern California and other private colleges in the state.
California law bans college legacy and donor admissions, including USC, Stanford - Los Angeles Times
Sep. 30 / Google News / Provides a detailed overview of the new legislation, emphasizing its implications for prestigious institutions like USC and Stanford. It effectively contextualizes the law within broader national trends in admissions. “ California law bans college legacy and donor admissions, including USC, Stanford Los Angeles TimesCalifornia Bans Legacy Admissions at Private Universities...
California Bans Legacy Admissions at Private Universities - The New York Times
Sep. 30 / Google News / Delivers a succinct summary of the ban and its implications for private universities. The article’s clarity makes it accessible, though it lacks deeper analysis of potential enforcement challenges. “ California Bans Legacy Admissions at Private Universities The New York TimesCalifornia Ends Legacy and Donor Admissions at Private Universities...
California Bans Legacy Admissions at Private Colleges - The Wall Street Journal
Oct. 1 / Google News / A concise overview of the new law, it succinctly captures Governor Newsom's statements on equity and merit. The article also references the broader implications of the ban, making it relevant to ongoing discussions about admissions practices. “ California Bans Legacy Admissions at Private Colleges The Wall Street JournalView Full Coverage on Google News