California Bans Private College Legacy and Donor Admissions

Written By Lucas Anderton

California has banned legacy and donor admissions at private colleges and universities in the state. According to the new law, admissions offices are no longer allowed to consider legacy status or donor relationships when deciding whether or not to accept a student. 

Governor Gavin Newson released a statement following the ban, stating, “[i]n California, everyone should be able to get ahead through merit, skill, and hard work. The California Dream shouldn’t be accessible to just a lucky few, which is why we’re opening the door to higher education wide enough for everyone, fairly.”

The new law applies to popular and highly selective schools such as Stanford University, the University of Southern California and Santa Clara University. The ban will take effect on September 1, 2025. 

The California State University system already forbids legacy and donor admissions.  

Lucas Anderton
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