Statement on The Fair College Admissions for Students Act

Hildreth Institute Supports Efforts to Dismantle Inequitable College Admission Practices

(BOSTON) –The Hildreth Institute released the following statement today in support of The Fair College Admissions for Students Act which would penalize colleges to give admission preference to students with legacy or donor status.

 “We are thrilled to announce our strong support for The Fair College Admissions for Students Act, reintroduced by Senator Merkley and Representative Bowman. The bill would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit institutions of higher education from participating in federal student aid programs if they give admissions preference to students with legacy or donor status.

“As a research and policy institute committed to restoring higher education's promise as an engine of upward mobility for all, we believe this legislation is of utmost importance. This bill has gathered the support of more than a dozen higher education organizations and advocates.

“The managing director of the Hildreth Institute Bahar Akman Imboden, argued that: “In the wake of the Supreme Court's decision to ban affirmative action, it is paramount that we address inequitable admission practices, particularly legacy preferences. It is perplexing to witness significant attention and resources being devoted to abolishing affirmative action—a policy that considers merit and multiple factors—while simultaneously witnessing the tacit acceptance of the disproportionate advantages afforded to the wealthy and privileged.

“We must acknowledge that systemic racism and inequality have facilitated the establishment of generational legacies for certain individuals, perpetuating their access to privilege and opportunities. Simultaneously, this very system has deprived numerous families of color of the opportunities they deserve within the educational landscape.

“In addition to our endorsement of this federal-level bill, we have also been actively supporting proposals at the Massachusetts state level to put an end to inequitable admission practices such as legacy and donor preference, as well as early decision. It is our firm belief that such measures are essential to ensuring a fair and equitable higher education system for all students.

“Embodying our commitment to equitable access to higher education, we wholeheartedly endorse The Fair College Admissions for Students Act and any proposal that seeks to realize a more just and inclusive future for everyone. Together, let's continue working towards creating a higher education landscape that upholds fairness, equal opportunity, and the true potential of upward mobility for all.”

About the Hildreth Institute
The Hildreth Institute is a research and policy center dedicated to restoring the promise of higher education as an engine of upward mobility for all. We are committed to fixing the broken college financing system by promoting innovative policy solutions at the federal and state levels, in order to invest in higher education while eliminating the burden of student debt. We research, develop, and promote solutions for changes in public policies and institutional financial practices that will reduce costs to students and improve quality. Learn more at hildrethinstitute.org.

*The Fair College Admissions for Students Act is endorsed by Education Reform Now, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), the Education Trust, EdMobilizer, the National Education Association (NEA), the National College Attainment Network (NCAN), the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), All4Ed, the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS), the Hildreth Institute, New America Higher Education Program, and Richard D. Kahlenberg (Editor, “Affirmative Action for the Rich: Legacy Preferences in College Admissions”, The Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP), the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), and The Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS).