Overview

• Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has signed two bills that prohibit public colleges from giving preferential treatment to applicants based on legacy status or familial relationships to donors.
• The legislation received unanimous support in both the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates, reflecting a bipartisan effort to promote fairness in college admissions.
• The move comes in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling that struck down affirmative action, prompting a national discussion on legacy admissions and their impact on college diversity.
• Several states and federal lawmakers are considering similar measures to eliminate legacy admissions, with Colorado being the first state to enact such a ban in 2021.
• The bills' passage is seen as part of a broader effort to ensure college admissions are based on merit and individual achievement, rather than familial connections.