Massachusetts Senate Bill S928

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/27/25

Caption

Banning legacy preferences in higher education

Impact

If enacted, S928 would directly affect the policies of public colleges and universities within the state. By disallowing the consideration of a candidate’s familial ties to alumni during admissions, the legislation seeks to level the playing field for all applicants. It is expected to enhance opportunities for underrepresented groups who may not have familial alumni connections, thereby promoting diversity and inclusion in higher education settings.

Summary

S928, introduced by Lydia Edwards, aims to eliminate legacy preferences in the admissions process for public higher education institutions in Massachusetts. The bill proposes amendments to the existing statutes to ensure that familial relationships to graduates shall not be considered when evaluating applicants for admission. This initiative forms part of a broader movement toward equitable admissions processes, fostering access to education irrespective of family background or connections.

Contention

Despite the positive aspirations of the bill, there are significant points of contention surrounding its implications. Advocates argue that eliminating legacy preferences is essential for combating entrenched inequalities in higher education. Conversely, critics may contend that legacy preferences help maintain institutional loyalty and community among alumni, which can be beneficial for fundraising and maintaining a robust support network. The discussions around this bill will likely delve into these tensions between tradition and modern equity considerations.