Changes would require four-year higher education institutions to improve accountability and transparency in admissions.
San Mateo, CA – September 19, 2024. The California Legislature passed Assembly Bill 1780, authored by Assemblymember Philip Ting (D-San Francisco) aiming to eliminate legacy and donor preferences in admissions at the state’s private and nonprofit colleges. The bill now awaits Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature to become law.
If signed into law, California will join four other states in making legacy preferences illegal for both public and private institutions. Given California’s significant national influence as the most populous state and home to the largest number of college students, supporters believe this legislation will serve as a crucial corrective to last year’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling that banned the use of race as a factor in admissions, except for military colleges.
San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) Board of Trustees President John Pimentel said, “Our doors are open to all without regard to legacy relationships, economic ability, race, or past academic performance. We offer a high-quality pathway for students to get ahead by affordably starting their journey to a four-year college degree or by completing professional certification programs that on average, increase earning potential by 30% or more.”
He continued, “This is especially true now that we have Free College for all San Mateo County residents. Our colleges serve over 30,000 students annually – 46% of whom are first-generation college students for whom legacy admissions are not available. SMCCCD offers these students, and every resident of our County, the first rung on the ladder of economic and academic success.”
SMCCCD Chancellor Melissa Moreno echoed these sentiments, adding; “Community colleges have always leveled the playing field in higher education. Students who come to us are from diverse backgrounds with many life struggles who overcome their challenges with the support we provide on their path to a four-year institution.”
Each year, over 3,000 San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) students successfully transfer to four-year institutions thanks to structured transfer agreements, academic support, and counseling. According to the Social Security Administration, completing a bachelor’s degree results in approximately an additional $1 million in lifetime earnings potential and better job prospects than a high school diploma. By accessing four-year institutions through community college, students gain opportunities for well-paying careers and long-term economic mobility, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.
“I am proud that our local community colleges offer upward mobility and higher learning at a fraction of the cost charged by institutions that consider legacy in their admissions process,” said Pimentel.
The bill, if signed by the Governor, would become effective next year.
Media Contact: David McLain, Community & Government Relations, SMCCCD, (650) 730-8049 or mclaind@smccd.edu