Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Should colleges end legacy admissions?
Position1 of 2›

Yes, colleges should end legacy admissions

Legacy admissions preferences should be ended immediately. They perpetuate harm towards minority students, students of lower-income, and lesser means. They give more privilege to those already privileged and reduce college admissions into unethical financial transactions.

Supporting arguments · 3

  1. It causes harm to minority students
    Legacy admissions have historically benefited white applicants because they tend to make the majority of the legacy pool. Legacy preferences can take the spot of well-deserving students of color who do not have the luck nor privilege of being born to parents who are alumni.
  2. Most legacy kids are already privileged
    The legacy preference is a preference that is given to children who typically grew up in the most favorable circumstances. These students have been afforded every luxury and benefit that their non-legacy counterparts have most likely not.
  3. It disadvantages low-income students and favors the wealthy
    Legacy admissions is essentially a large affirmative action program for wealthy students. The existence of legacy preferences limits access for high-achieving low and middle-income students.