Legacy admissions banned at California colleges under new law

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a law Monday banning legacy admissions at all colleges in the state, including private ones.  

The law says public and private nonprofit institutions will not be allowed to consider legacy status or donor relationships in their application processes. 

“In California, everyone should be able to get ahead through merit, skill, and hard work. The California Dream shouldn’t be accessible to just a lucky few, which is why we’re opening the door to higher education wide enough for everyone, fairly,” Newsom said in a statement. 

While a ban on legacy admissions for public California colleges has been in place for a while, the state is now one of only two, along with Maryland, to extend the prohibition to private institutions.  

The ban will take effect Sept. 1, 2025.

“If we value diversity in higher education, we must level the playing field. That means making the college application process more fair and equitable,” said state Assemblymember Phil Ting (D). 

“Hard work, good grades and a well-rounded background should earn you a spot in the incoming class — not the size of the check your family can write or who you’re related to. I thank the governor for agreeing with me and supporters of AB 1780 — that every student deserves a fair shot at their dream school,” he added.  

Legacy admission bans have become more popular after the Supreme Court ruling that struck down the use of affirmative action in the college admissions process.