U.S. Sen. Tim Scott and five colleagues introduced legislation that would bar accredited colleges from giving preferential admissions treatment to applicants tied to alumni or donors.
Based on a release from U.S. Sen. Tim Scott.
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., joined Sens. Todd Young, R-Ind., Tim Kaine, D-Va., Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., John Kennedy, R-La., and Andy Kim, D-N.J., in introducing the Merit-Based Educational Reforms and Institutional Transparency Act, according to the Office of Sen. Tim Scott.
The bill would amend the Higher Education Act to add a new accreditation standard preventing accredited colleges and universities from giving preferential treatment in admissions based on an applicant’s relationship to alumni or donors, according to the office.
“Every student deserves a fair shot at any college or university regardless of his or her family’s background and connections to the institution,” Scott said. “Education is the doorway to opportunity, and the MERIT Act ensures we keep that door open for all students.”
Young said the bill would end what he called unmerited advantages for connected individuals. “America is a land of opportunity, not a land of aristocracy,” Young said. “Legacy admissions restrict opportunities for many bright and talented young Americans.”
Kaine said the legislation aims to ensure first-generation and low-income students are not disadvantaged in admissions, while Warnock said the bill establishes a standard of fairness that eliminates practices undermining trust in the admissions process, according to the office.
The legislation defines “preferential treatment” as making admissions decisions or providing benefits based on an applicant’s relationship with alumni or donors as the determinative factor, according to the office. It would not prevent institutions from considering an applicant’s genuine interest in the institution and would preserve the ability of religious institutions to make admissions decisions in line with their faith-based values.
The bill also requires a feasibility study on improving data collection regarding the influence of legacy and donor relationships on admissions decisions, according to the office.
Since 2015, more than 450 colleges and universities have ended legacy preferences, while 420 four-year institutions continue the practice, according to a report from the nonprofit Education Reform Now cited by the office.
Source: U.S. Sen. Tim Scott original release.
