**Governor Newsom Signs Law Ending Legacy and Donor Preferences in Private College Admissions**

Governor Gavin Newsom has officially enacted AB 1780, a significant reform bill authored by Assemblymember Phil Ting from San Francisco, aimed at eliminating legacy and donor preferences in admissions processes at California’s private, nonprofit colleges. This new legislation marks a shift towards ensuring all students have equitable access to higher education based on merit, rather than personal wealth or connections.

The policy change echoes the University of California system's earlier decision in 1998 to remove legacy preferences, and aligns with broader goals of promoting fairness within college admissions. Recent rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court that limit the use of race in admissions have further driven the need for such reforms, prompting advocates of AB 1780 to seek criteria that prioritize student merit.

Under the new law, private colleges in California are mandated to submit annual reports to confirm their compliance, ensuring transparency and adherence to fair admissions practices. Assemblymember Phil Ting emphasized the necessity of this move, stating, “If we value diversity in higher education, we must level the playing field. That means making the college application process more fair and equitable."

This development is part of Governor Newsom’s broader initiative to enhance access to higher education. Notable efforts include providing up to two years of free community college for eligible students, expanding the Middle Class Scholarship to support foster students, mandating high schools to ensure seniors complete financial aid applications, and investing in affordable student housing and educational resources. Additionally, significant strides have been made to support individuals with intellectual disabilities and to allow student athletes to benefit financially from their own names, images, and likenesses.

By signing AB 1780 into law, Governor Newsom reaffirms his administration’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and merit-based educational system in California, ensuring that every student has a fair opportunity to achieve their aspirations.