July 18, 2023
Round-up: Legacy Admissions Targeted Following Race-Conscious Admissions Decision
In the aftermath of the Supreme Court decision prohibiting the consideration of race as a part of a student’s college admissions, legacy admissions has come under greater scrutiny by critics, public officials and the media. A Washington Post analysis found more than 100 selective schools consider alumni-applicant relationships in admissions decisions.
The “legacy” preference is drawing fire from critics, politicians, media and ordinary Americans who see it as a hereditary and therefore unfair benefit that tends to help the wealthy and White more than the poor and applicants of color. The preference has deep roots in higher education, especially at private colleges, and eliminating it is much easier said than done.
Reginald DesRoches, president of Rice University, told the Post it was “something we need to take a look at.” He also acknowledged the political tensions over the issue.
“Legacy is a very minor factor in our admissions,” DesRoches said. He said children of alumni often bring “a level of commitment and familiarity with the university. So I think that’s the plus side.”
Below is selected media coverage from around the country.
Reading Between the Lines on Affirmative Action
Inside Higher Ed (July 17, 2023)
Children, Relatives of Alumni No Longer Have Admissions Edge at Carnegie Mellon, Pitt
TribLive.com, Pittsburgh (July 17, 2023)
Pressure Mounts on Colleges to Ditch ‘Legacy’ Admissions Factor
The Washington Post (July 16, 2023)
HBCUs Revise Admissions Policies Amid Expected Surge in Applications
The Washington Post (July 15, 2023)
For Native Students, the End of Race in Admissions Is Complicated
The Chronicle of Higher Education (July 14, 2023)
Do Legacy Admissions Also Benefit the Less Elite? – Letters
The New York Times (July 17)
Colleges Can Do a Lot for Social Mobility Right Now – Commentary
The New York Times (July 12)
Affirmative Action on Campus Goes Beyond Admissions - Commentary
The Wall Street Journal (July 11, 2023)
Affirmative Action Bred 50 Years of ‘Mismatch’ - Commentary
The Wall Street Journal (July 11, 2023)
The “legacy” preference is drawing fire from critics, politicians, media and ordinary Americans who see it as a hereditary and therefore unfair benefit that tends to help the wealthy and White more than the poor and applicants of color. The preference has deep roots in higher education, especially at private colleges, and eliminating it is much easier said than done.
Reginald DesRoches, president of Rice University, told the Post it was “something we need to take a look at.” He also acknowledged the political tensions over the issue.
“Legacy is a very minor factor in our admissions,” DesRoches said. He said children of alumni often bring “a level of commitment and familiarity with the university. So I think that’s the plus side.”
Below is selected media coverage from around the country.
Reading Between the Lines on Affirmative Action
Inside Higher Ed (July 17, 2023)
Children, Relatives of Alumni No Longer Have Admissions Edge at Carnegie Mellon, Pitt
TribLive.com, Pittsburgh (July 17, 2023)
Pressure Mounts on Colleges to Ditch ‘Legacy’ Admissions Factor
The Washington Post (July 16, 2023)
HBCUs Revise Admissions Policies Amid Expected Surge in Applications
The Washington Post (July 15, 2023)
For Native Students, the End of Race in Admissions Is Complicated
The Chronicle of Higher Education (July 14, 2023)
Do Legacy Admissions Also Benefit the Less Elite? – Letters
The New York Times (July 17)
Colleges Can Do a Lot for Social Mobility Right Now – Commentary
The New York Times (July 12)
Affirmative Action on Campus Goes Beyond Admissions - Commentary
The Wall Street Journal (July 11, 2023)
Affirmative Action Bred 50 Years of ‘Mismatch’ - Commentary
The Wall Street Journal (July 11, 2023)