Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin signed a bill on Friday that will put an end to legacy admissions at public universities in the state, marking a significant shift in the college admissions process. The practice of giving preferential treatment to applicants with family ties to alumni or donors will no longer be allowed, as House Bill 48 takes effect on July 1.
This move will impact prestigious institutions like the University of Virginia and William & Mary, which are known for their selective admissions processes. Virginia Tech had already announced last year that it would no longer consider legacy status in admissions decisions. Governor Youngkin emphasized the importance of merit-based admissions, stating that university acceptance should be based on qualifications rather than connections.
Virginia is now the second state, after Colorado, to ban legacy admissions, with similar legislation being considered in New York and Connecticut. State Senator Schuyler T. VanValkenburg, who sponsored the bill, highlighted the bipartisan support it received and expressed hope that other states will follow suit to promote diversity in college admissions.
Critics of legacy admissions argue that the practice perpetuates privilege and is not based on merit. With the recent Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action, the movement to eliminate legacy preferences has gained momentum. President Biden, along with Senators Tim Kaine and Todd Young, are advocating for federal legislation to ban legacy and donor admissions preferences nationwide.
While supporters of legacy admissions point to benefits like increased alumni loyalty and generosity, opponents argue that the practice distorts the freshman class and hinders opportunities for deserving students. Selective private schools like Wesleyan University and New York University have already eliminated legacy preferences, while investigations into legacy practices at elite institutions like Harvard and Yale are ongoing.
The decision to end legacy admissions in Virginia reflects a broader push for fairness and equal opportunity in higher education. As the debate continues, the impact of this policy change on college admissions and alumni relations remains to be seen.
