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Committee hears bill to ban legacy admissions; action laid over after testimony
Summary
Senate File 377 would prohibit institutions that receive state aid from giving preferential admissions treatment to legacy applicants or donors; the measure was laid over after proponents and opponents testified and committee questions.
Senate File 377, a proposal to ban legacy admissions at colleges and universities that receive state aid, was heard by the Senate Higher Education Committee and laid over for further consideration.
The bill, presented by Senator O'Mooverbane, would prohibit institutions receiving state funds from giving preferential treatment to applicants with family members who are alumni or donors. Proponents framed the measure as a step toward merit‑based admissions and improved equity; testimony cited research finding legacy status significantly increases admission odds at selective institutions.
Kyle Beltramini, policy research fellow at the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, testified in support and argued legacy preferences perpetuate inequality and undercut public confidence in higher education. Beltramini referenced national scandals and studies that, he said, show legacy and donor preferences advantage wealthier applicants and reduce access for students with greater needs.
Committee members debated the rationale and scope. Senator Ocke and other skeptics said legacy preferences reflect family tradition and charitable support and argued the state should not micromanage institutional admissions. Supporters — including the bill author — said public institutions that receive state aid should not maintain practices that advantage applicants based on family wealth or connections, and cited other states (Colorado, Virginia, Maryland) that have banned legacy preferences. The author also referenced a federal bill, the Merit‑Based Educational Reforms and Institutional Transparency Act, as a related national proposal.
Members asked for data and examples; the author offered to follow up with the cited Fair Admissions report and noted some institutions already do not consider legacy status. Questions also probed whether officials or legislators who exert influence should be addressed; supporters said they were open to further conversation but the current bill focused on legacy and donor preferences.
After testimony and questions, the committee laid Senate File 377 over for further consideration.
