Rep. Young Kim (CA-40) has co-sponsored a bipartisan bill that would block federal student aid from going to colleges that offer admissions preferences to children of alumni or donors—a practice known as legacy admissions. The measure aims to reform college admissions policies and promote fairness in higher education.
The Fair College Admissions for Students Act (H.R. 2809) was introduced on April 10, by Young Kim, a Republican representing Southern California, and Rep. Summer Lee, a Democrat from Pennsylvania. The legislation targets institutions that prioritize legacy or donor applicants, barring them from participating in federal student aid programs.
Colleges Could Lose Federal Student Aid
Under the proposed legacy admissions ban, any college or university that continues to favor legacy or donor-related applicants would no longer be eligible for federal funding. This includes federal grants, loans, and work-study programs that help students cover the cost of higher education.
Young Kim stated in a press release, “For too long, universities have prioritized background over merit. It’s time to fix that system and give every student a fair shot.” She continued, “As a first-generation college graduate, I know how education can open doors. This bill creates a level playing field where students are judged by their potential, not their connections.”
Lawmakers Call Legacy System Unfair and Racist
Lee called legacy admissions “unfair, unequal, and rooted in a racist tradition.” She added that the bill represents “a critical step toward dismantling a system that benefits the wealthy and well-connected at the expense of everyone else.”
The legacy admissions ban has also drawn support in the Senate. Companion legislation has been introduced by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) and Sen. John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), signaling rare bipartisan agreement on college admissions reform.
BY BRIAN CHOI [ichoi@koreadaily.com]
