Illinois has become the fourth state in the United States to pass a ban on legacy admissions in an effort to promote equity and fairness in higher education. The legislation, known as the Legacy Admission Ban Act, was signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker on August 13, 2021.
Legacy admissions are a practice used by many colleges and universities to give preferential treatment to applicants who have family members who are alumni of the institution. This often results in students from wealthy and influential families having a higher chance of being admitted, while students from disadvantaged backgrounds are at a disadvantage.
The new law in Illinois prohibits public universities in the state from considering an applicant’s legacy status in the admissions process. This means that applicants will be evaluated based on their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and other merits, rather than their family connections.
Supporters of the ban argue that legacy admissions perpetuate inequality and hinder the ability of students from underprivileged backgrounds to compete on a level playing field. By eliminating this practice, Illinois hopes to create a more equitable and diverse higher education system that benefits all students.
Illinois joins California, Washington, and Colorado as the only states in the nation to have passed a ban on legacy admissions. These measures reflect a growing trend across the country to address issues of inequity and access in higher education.
Opponents of the ban argue that legacy admissions are a tradition that should be preserved, as they can help build a sense of community and loyalty among alumni. However, supporters maintain that the practice is outdated and no longer serves the best interests of students or society as a whole.
The Legacy Admission Ban Act is seen as a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and fair admissions process in Illinois. By eliminating legacy preferences, the state aims to level the playing field for all applicants and ensure that admissions decisions are based on merit rather than family connections.
As the debate over legacy admissions continues to unfold across the country, it is clear that Illinois is leading the way in prioritizing equity and fairness in higher education. The Legacy Admission Ban Act represents a major milestone in the state’s efforts to promote access and diversity in its public universities.
0
0