California Bans Legacy Admissions in Private Colleges

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 1780, which bans legacy and donor admissions at private colleges and universities, effective September 1, 2025. This legislation, made in response to concerns over inequities in college admissions following a Supreme Court ruling against race-based admissions, positions California as the second state to enact such a ban, after Maryland. Critics of legacy admissions highlight that it favors wealthier, predominantly white students, while supporters argue it aids in building strong alumni networks. Notably, in 2023, 14.5% of admitted students at the University of Southern California were legacy or donor applicants. Newsom emphasized the need for a merit-based system that allows equal opportunity for all students, regardless of background. Institutions that fail to comply will be required to disclose violations on the state’s Department of Justice website, but there are no financial penalties for non-compliance.