California Bans Legacy Admissions At Private Colleges

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed three college admissions-related bills into law, all with a focus on making California a leader in improving equity in higher education.

The legislative package, collectively known as the “Equity Three,” is designed to increase access and opportunity for all students, regardless of background or economic status. This bold step comes in response to mounting concerns about unfair advantages in college admissions, especially following the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling on race-conscious admissions.

Ending Legacy Admissions

The centerpiece of the new laws is Assembly Bill 1780 (AB 1780). It makes California one of just two states to ban legacy admissions at private universities and colleges, which often give preferential treatment to applicants with family ties to alumni or donors. The practice has long been criticized for perpetuating systemic privilege, benefiting the wealthy and excluding underrepresented students.

As of September 1, 2025, private institutions receiving state funding, such as Stanford University and the University of Southern California (USC), will no longer be allowed to prioritize students based on their familial connections.

“In California, everyone should be able to get ahead through merit, skill, and hard work,” Governor Newsom said in a statement. “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.”

AB 1780 follows Maryland’s similar ban on legacy admissions at private institutions, passed earlier this year. Although California’s public universities, such as the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU), already had policies in place against legacy preferences, this law extends that prohibition to private schools receiving public funds through programs like Cal Grants.

Critics of legacy admissions argue that the practice disproportionately benefits wealthy, predominantly white families while disadvantaging minority and low-income students. A state audit in 2020 revealed that UC Berkeley had admitted at least 55 students based on connections or donations, raising further concerns about the integrity of the admissions process.

Two Other Bills Increasing Equity In Higher Education

In addition to AB 1780, Governor Newsom signed two other bills aimed at increasing equity in higher education. Senate Bill 1348 (SB 1348), establishes a Black-Serving Institution (BSI) designation. This initiative recognizes colleges and universities that excel in enrolling, supporting, and graduating Black students. By offering robust African American studies programs, student success initiatives, and targeted outreach services, institutions with the BSI designation will play a crucial role in advancing equity for Black students.

Assembly Bill 2057 (AB 2057), seeks to streamline the community college-to-university transfer process. This bill prioritizes the development of guaranteed STEM transfer pathways, ensuring that students from underrepresented communities can advance seamlessly into high-demand fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.