U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) and a bipartisan group of his colleagues on July 23 introduced legislation that would stop colleges and universities from giving admissions preferences to applicants based on family ties to alumni or donors.
“America is a land of opportunity, not a land of aristocracy,” Sen. Young said. “Legacy admissions restrict opportunities for many bright and talented young Americans and provide an unmerited advantage to the most connected individuals in our society. Our bill will end legacy preferences in the admissions process and promote upward mobility for Americans of all backgrounds.”
Sen. Young sponsored the Merit-Based Educational Reforms and Institutional Transparency (MERIT) Act, S. 5116, alongside five original cosponsors, including lead original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA).
If enacted, S. 5116 would amend the Higher Education Act to add a new standard for accreditation to prevent accredited colleges and universities from giving “preferential treatment” during the admissions process, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“Everyone deserves the same opportunity to pursue higher education if they choose,” said Sen. Kaine. “It shouldn’t be dependent on whether someone’s parents went to college or donated money to a university.”
Preferential treatment is defined as making admissions decisions or providing benefits based on an applicant’s relationship with alumni or donors as the determinative factor.
Specifically, S. 5116 would clarify that the new standard shouldn’t be construed to prevent institutions from considering an applicant’s genuine interest in the institution as part of the admissions process, the summary says.
The bill also would ensure that religious institutions are allowed to make admissions decisions in line with their faith-based values, ensuring no infringement on religious freedom.
Additionally, S. 5116 would require a comprehensive feasibility study to assess improving data collection regarding the influence of legacy and donor relationships on admissions decisions, states the summary.
The measure has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.