Fair College Admissions for Students Act
Sen. Merkley and Sen. Kennedy Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Ban Legacy Admissions at Colleges
Legislative Progress
Key Points
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
Students without family connections to elite universities would have a more level playing field in the admissions process. By removing legacy and donor preferences, first-generation college students and applicants from less wealthy families would no longer be at a structural disadvantage compared to applicants whose parents attended or donated to a school. This could meaningfully increase access to selective institutions for a significant share of applicants.
Programs
Milestones
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Hearings held.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
4 articles
Senate Bill Seeks to End Legacy Admissions
Introduced on March 6, 2025, by Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and John Kennedy (R-La.), the Fair College Admissions for Students Act seeks to eliminate legacy and donor preferences at all public and private colleges participating in federal student aid programs to ensure merit-based admissions.
Congressional Democrats reintroduce bill to ban legacy admissions
The legislation would block colleges from participating in federal financial aid programs if they offer legacy seats. Proponents argue that ending these preferences is a necessary step to improve campus diversity following the Supreme Court's ruling against race-conscious admissions.
U.S. colleges divided over whether to end legacy admissions
The debate over legacy admissions has intensified as the Supreme Court re-evaluates affirmative action. While some argue legacy preferences are a vital fundraising tool, others see them as an unethical barrier to equitable access to education.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Fair College Admissions for Students Act
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