South OC Times

U.S. Representatives Young Kim from California and Summer Lee from Pennsylvania have unveiled the Fair College Admissions for Students Act, aimed at eliminating preferential treatment in college admissions based on familial ties or donations. The legislation targets higher education institutions that prioritize children of alumni and donors, by proposing to cut off their access to federal student aid programs.

According to The Century Foundation, legacy admissions can influence between 10% and 25% of slots at elite schools, impacting the admissions process significantly. Rep. Kim, a first-generation college graduate, emphasized the importance of merit-based admissions. "For too long, colleges and universities have admitted students based on family connections or background instead of merit. It’s past time we level the playing field," she stated.

Rep. Lee expressed that legacy admissions are not only unfair but rooted in outdated and unjust traditions, calling for swift congressional action to pass the bill. "Legacy admissions are inequitable, unfair, and rooted in racist traditions that have no place in our society," said Rep. Lee.

The Senate version of the bill, also known as the Fair College Admissions for Students Act, was introduced by Senators Jeff Merkley and John Kennedy. Senator Merkley pointed out, "Access to higher education should be based on merit, not money and connections."

Senator Kennedy highlighted how legacy admissions can undermine the efforts of hardworking students, advocating for merit-based decisions in higher education institutions. "Louisiana’s students work hard for an opportunity to get into their dream college. However, the practice of legacy admissions undermines good academic performance," he commented.

The intended reforms seek to prioritize fairness and equal opportunities in the college admissions process, providing every student a chance to achieve academic success based on their own merits.