California just became the fifth state to ban legacy admissions—and only the second to ban them at private schools in particular. Those happen to be some of the most selective and sought-after schools in the country, like Stanford and the University of Southern California—and Santa Clara University, the alma mater of Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Newsom signed the legislation on Monday; legacy admissions (and any special consideration for well-connected applicants) will be abolished starting fall 2025. Every private college and university in the state will be required to turn in an annual report proving its compliance.
