Massachusetts Senate Bill S821

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23

Caption

Banning legacy preferences in higher education

Impact

The proposed legislation seeks to amend Section 9 of Chapter 15A and introduces a new Section 30B to Chapter 69 of the General Laws. If enacted, the ban on legacy preferences would take effect for admission decisions leading to enrollment in public institutions starting in the 2024-2025 academic year. By removing legacy preferences, the bill aims to level the playing field for applicants who may not have familial ties to prestigious institutions, potentially increasing diversity and fairness within student admissions.

Summary

Bill S821, presented by Lydia Edwards, aims to ban legacy preferences in higher education institutions within Massachusetts. The bill specifically targets public higher education institutions, mandating that they do not consider familial relationships with graduates when making admission decisions. It prevents these institutions from using documents that disclose the names of colleges or universities attended by the applicant's relatives, thereby promoting a more equitable admissions process.

Contention

While the bill is generally viewed positively by proponents of equal access to education, it may also face opposition from those who argue that legacy admissions are a tradition that benefits institutions and their alumni. Critics may contend that abolishing legacy preferences could undermine donations and support from alumni who value these connections. Furthermore, debates on the impacts of such a shift could center around the broader issues of how admissions criteria should balance meritocracy against historical patterns of privilege.