Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Reps. Young Kim (CA-40) and Summer Lee (PA-12) introduced the Fair College Admissions for Students Act, a bipartisan bill which seeks to end higher education institutions’ preferential treatment of children of alumni and donors and ensure students are admitted based on their merit, not their family connections or financial contributions.
The Fair College Admissions for Students Act would prohibit colleges and universities across the nation from participating in federal student aid programs if they give admissions preference to students with legacy or donor status.
Legacy admissions can account for up to 10 to 25 percent of available slots at elite schools, according to The Century Foundation.
“As a first-generation college graduate, I have seen firsthand how education unlocks new doors for students and believe all students should have the ability to achieve their American Dream. For too long, colleges and universities have admitted students based on family connections or background instead of merit. It’s past time we level the playing field,” said Rep. Young Kim. “This bill will ensure a fair college admissions process that assesses every student, regardless of background, on their merit. I will keep fighting to ensure the promise of America — where we are judged on our actions and can achieve success through hard work — remains alive for future generations.”
“Legacy admissions are inequitable, unfair, and rooted in racist traditions that have no place in our society. The Fair College Admissions for Students Act brings us one step closer to leveling the playing field for students of all lived backgrounds, not just the rich and well-connected. Every student deserves a fair chance at pursuing and being admitted to higher education, and I urge Congress to pass this bipartisan bill without delay,” said Rep. Summer Lee.
Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and John Kennedy (R-LA).
“Access to higher education should be based on merit, not money and connections,” said Senator Jeff Merkley. “Our bipartisan Fair College Admissions for Students Act is a common-sense solution to help ensure fairness in college admissions by preventing donors and legacy families from using their influence to get a leg up in this complicated and highly competitive process. Discrimination exercised on behalf of students from the already best-off families is an unacceptable assault on fair opportunities for all.”
“Louisiana’s students work hard for an opportunity to get into their dream college. However, the practice of legacy admissions undermines good academic performance. The Fair College Admissions for Students Act would make sure that higher education institutions make decisions about who can attend their schools based on merit,” said Senator John Kennedy.
Read the bill HERE.
Rep. Kim has long been an advocate for promoting educational opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Read her July 2023 op-ed in the Hill HERE.
