Lafayette Reporter

Senators John Kennedy and Jeff Merkley have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at curbing legacy admissions in higher education institutions. The proposed legislation, known as the Fair College Admissions for Students Act, seeks to prevent colleges and universities from participating in federal student assistance programs if they engage in legacy admissions practices.

Senator Kennedy emphasized the importance of merit-based college admissions, stating, "Louisiana’s students work hard for an opportunity to get into their dream college. However, the practice of legacy admissions undermines good academic performance."

Senator Merkley highlighted the challenges faced by first-generation college students, saying, "As the first in my family to go to college, I know the struggles facing students whose parents have never been through the process before or don’t have the money for expensive test prep or advisors." He added that while children of donors and alumni may be qualified, they should not receive additional advantages in the competitive admissions process.

The National Center for Education Services reported that during the 2022-2023 academic year, over 570 institutions considered legacy status in their admissions decisions. The new bill aims to eliminate preferential treatment based on applicants' relationships with donors or alumni.

Senator Alex Padilla has also cosponsored this legislation. The full text of the Fair College Admissions for Students Act is available online.