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In the wake of the Supreme Court's decision last year to dismantle affirmative action in college admissions, states across the U.S. are now intensifying efforts to eliminate legacy admissions—policies that give preferential treatment to the children of alumni. The controversial decision has sparked legislative measures in states like California, Maryland, Illinois, and Virginia, aiming to promote equity in college admissions.

California recently enacted a ban on legacy admissions at private colleges, marking a significant milestone in this nationwide movement. California's effort, spearheaded by Assemblymember Phil Ting, succeeded after the Supreme Court's ruling on race-conscious admissions highlighted the need to reevaluate the fairness of alumni-based preferences.

Maryland followed California's lead, becoming the first state to prohibit legacy admissions at both public and private colleges. This initiative gained momentum after Maryland's two flagship institutions, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland system, had already ended the practice voluntarily. Maryland Delegate Jazz Lewis emphasized that the Supreme Court decision created a conducive environment for this legislative push, making it a priority for the state's Legislative Black Caucus.

Virginia set a precedent earlier this year when Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin signed a ban on legacy preferences at the University of Virginia. This law, which passed unanimously in the state's Legislature, underscored a rare bipartisan agreement on the issue.

In Illinois, the ban signed in August is largely symbolic, as public institutions there do not practice legacy admissions. Nonetheless, it signifies a growing consensus against such preferences. Democratic lawmakers in Illinois have shown strong support, reflecting a broader national trend.

The movement to eliminate legacy admissions has also reached the federal level. Senators Tim Kaine and Todd Young introduced legislation to prohibit these preferences nationwide, though it has yet to receive a committee vote. Additionally, the Biden administration has issued guidance to universities, encouraging them to consider alternative methods for maintaining diversity in the absence of affirmative action, including ending legacy preferences.

The controversy over legacy admissions has even led to legal actions. Lawyers for Civil Rights filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education against Harvard University, arguing that its legacy admissions policy discriminates against non-white students. The Biden administration's subsequent investigation into these practices is ongoing.

States like Connecticut and New York are also grappling with proposed bans, though they face significant opposition from Ivy League institutions and private college associations. Despite these challenges, advocates remain hopeful that recent legislative successes will catalyze further changes nationwide.

Across the country, educational institutions and lawmakers are rethinking admission practices that could perpetuate social inequities. With substantial legislative efforts already underway and more anticipated, the landscape of college admissions may soon see significant transformations, striving for a more merit-based system.