On Sept. 30, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill No. 1780 (AB 1780), a new law banning legacy admissions at California’s private universities. Starting in Sept. 2025, colleges like Stanford University and the University of
Southern California will no longer give special consideration during admissions to students whose family members previously attended the university.
In an official statement after signing the bill [AB 1780] posted on gov.ca.gov, Newsom announced that college admissions should be fair for all. Students should be accepted to institutions based on their skills and hard work rather than their family’s attendance.
“The California dream shouldn’t be accessible to just a lucky few, which is why we’re opening the door for higher education wide enough for everyone, fairly,” Newsom said. “Everyone should be able to get ahead through merit, skill and hard work.”
Assemblymember Phil Ting, who authored the bill, believes it is time to make college admissions more equal. In a press release shared on calmatters.org, Ting commented on the matter..
“Hard work, good grades and a well-rounded background should earn you a spot in the incoming class – not who you’re related to,” Ting said.
College and Career Center counselor Becky Bjursten, who works closely with students navigating college admissions, was happy with how the new law addresses inequity.
“[The ban on legacy admissions] is fantastic because it takes away what I consider an unfair advantage,” Bjursten said.
Bjursten believes that the law will give students more pride in their achievements.
“I think students will have much more pride in themselves if they get accepted without legacy,” Bjursten said.
Senior Willem Shayeb views the banning of legacy admissions as a chance for students to be recognized for their merits.
“Honestly, I never saw legacy admissions as something I needed to rely on despite them being helpful for certain schools my parents attended. I want to be accepted to a college for who I am, not because of my family’s history,” Shayeb said.
Shayeb feels that the ban will encourage colleges to prioritize candidates who genuinely fit their programs.
“I feel that colleges who weigh legacy admissions can sometimes choose a candidate who might not be the best fit just because of their history with that school,” Shayeb said.
California’s decision to eliminate legacy admissions could serve as a model for other states, encouraging more institutions to prioritize merit over family connections. Ting believes the new law will create a more inclusive admissions process across private universities.
“If we value diversity in higher education, we must level the playing field. That means making the college application process more fair and equitable,” Ting said. “I thank the Governor for agreeing with me and supporters of AB 1780 — that every student deserves a fair shot at their dream school.”
