Steel bill would force transparency in higher ed’s use of personality traits in admissions

U.S. Rep. Michelle Steel (R-CA) recently sponsored legislation that would direct the nation’s institutions of higher education to improve transparency regarding the use of personality traits in their admissions processes.

“I’ve worked for decades to bring fairness in our education system, and this is another important step towards ensuring a level playing field for all students,” said Rep. Steel.

The lawmakers on April 27 introduced the Helping Applicants Receive Valid and Reasonable Decisions (HARVARD) Act, H.R. 7607, which would require institutions of higher education to list their usage of personality traits in admissions decisions, according to a bill summary provided by the congresswoman.

“Every student should have the opportunity to succeed and build their own American dream on their own merit,” said Rep. Steel. “The use of personality traits, or discriminatory racial preferences, in admissions practices is just wrong.”

The introduction of H.R. 7607 follows an announcement earlier this year from the U.S. Supreme Court, which said it would hear arguments in Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. President & Fellows of Harvard College challenging race-focused admissions policies, according to information provided by Rep. Steel’s staff. 

Student records filed in the case against Harvard in 2018 showed that Asian-American applicants were rated lower than others on certain traits, such as likeability, courage and kindness, and despite having higher test scores and grades, the applicants’ personality ratings decreased their overall admissions scores and impacted their admissions chances, the information says.

If enacted, H.R. 7607 would require a university or college to make the use of such traits public, posting on a public website and application materials, according to the bill summary, and would require a statement informing applicants of the use of personality traits in making admissions decisions; the rationale for such use of personality traits; a description of the process under which personality traits are considered; and the standards and criteria used for rating personality traits.

H.R. 7607 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee.