Legislation and Impact
California Governor signed a law prohibiting private colleges from considering legacy and donor connections in admissions, aiming to promote merit-based opportunities. This affects institutions like and USC.
The law, effective September 1, 2025, requires private universities to report compliance by June 30, 2026, with potential legal actions against violators, marking a significant shift towards equitable admissions practices.
Broader Context and Reactions
This move follows increased scrutiny of legacy admissions post-Supreme Court's affirmative action ruling, with joining as the only states to ban such preferences at private universities.
While the law aims to level the playing field, it does not impose fines on violators, reflecting a compromise from earlier proposals. It underscores a growing trend towards fairer admissions processes nationwide.