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Virginia is progressing towards enacting legislation that prohibits public colleges and universities in the state from giving preferential treatment in admissions to students with connections to alumni or donors. The Virginia House recently approved the bill unanimously, aligning with the Senate’s decision. The bills, which are mirror images of each other, need to pass through the opposing chambers before reaching Gov. Glenn Youngkin for final approval.
Governor Youngkin’s spokesperson, Christian Martinez, has indicated that the governor is inclined to sign the legislation. Martinez emphasized that the governor advocates for a merit-based approach to admissions in Virginia’s higher education institutions.
This proposed ban follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in June, which put an end to affirmative action in college admissions nationwide. Subsequent to this decision, educational institutions in Virginia, like others across the country, have started revising their admissions criteria.
A study conducted by the think tank Education Reform Now revealed that the primary beneficiaries of legacy preferences are predominantly white. Virginia is among the five states where many public colleges and universities offer admission advantages to the offspring of alumni.
Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, the sponsor of the House bill, clarified during a recent subcommittee meeting that House Bill 48 aims to ensure that familial ties or donations do not influence college admissions decisions in Virginia.
Both Democratic and Republican representatives have voiced their support for this change. Del. Thomas Garrett, R-Goochland, emphasized the importance of eliminating discriminatory practices and establishing an equitable playing field for all Virginians.
The Senate also passed its version of the bill, sponsored by Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg, D-Richmond, with unanimous approval last week.
Education Reform Now reported that while over 100 colleges and universities have discontinued legacy admissions since 2015, as of 2020, 787 institutions still maintained this practice.
This article is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus funded by grants and a group of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury upholds its editorial independence. For inquiries, please contact Editor Sarah Vogelsong. Follow Virginia Mercury on Twitter and Facebook.
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