New York colleges under pressure to end legacy admissions after Supreme Court affirmative action ruling

(TNS) — With the Supreme Court striking down the use of affirmative action in higher education last month, New York colleges have come under pressure to reconsider giving priority to the children of alumni in admissions decisions.

Advocates have described the practice, known as legacy admissions, as “affirmative action for the white and wealthy” — giving a boost to students who on average come from higher income families with experience navigating the college application process.

More than seven in 10 private colleges in New York consider whether applicants are related to alumni, as do more than a third of public schools, according to data compiled by Education Reform Now.

Proponents of legacy admissions defend it as a tool to build multigenerational bonds between families and their schools, including to solicit donations and even fund scholarships that can help diversify campuses.

But its future was put to the test last year when state lawmakers proposed legislation to end the practice statewide. The bill was met with backlash from the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities, who at the time called it an “unreasonable intrusion” that will fail to achieve its own aims.

The statewide association has since changed its tune on the policy.

“While legacy admission has been an important recruitment tool for some New York colleges, we recognize the public’s perception that the practice also has the effect of expanding privilege instead of opportunity,” said Lola Brabham, president of the CICU.

“In light of the Supreme Court decision banning the use of race in the college admissions process, the Independent Sector will not continue its opposition to banning legacy preference in admissions. New York’s independent colleges and universities remain deeply committed to fostering diverse, welcoming campus communities and ensuring higher education is accessible to all.”