H.R.2809 - Fair College Admissions for Students Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2809, the Fair College Admissions for Students Act, aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965. The bill seeks to prohibit institutions of higher education that participate in Federal student assistance programs from giving preferential treatment in the admissions process to legacy students or donors.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 10, 2025, by Mrs. Kim and Ms. Lee. It was then referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce.
The Act stipulates that institutions cannot provide preferential treatment based on relationships to donors or alumni, with the amendment taking effect in the second award year after enactment.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill, if enacted, is a change in college admissions policies. Colleges and universities receiving federal funding would need to eliminate legacy and donor preferences.
This could lead to a more diverse student body based on merit rather than familial or financial connections. It could also impact fundraising strategies for these institutions.
Potential Benefits
- Increased fairness in college admissions, providing equal opportunity to all applicants.
- Potential for a more diverse student body, reflecting a broader range of backgrounds and experiences.
- Enhanced social mobility by reducing advantages for privileged groups.
- Improved perception of higher education institutions as meritocratic and accessible.
- Could encourage institutions to focus on attracting students based on academic achievement and potential.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential decrease in alumni donations, which could impact institutional funding.
- Possible legal challenges from alumni groups or donors.
- May require significant adjustments to admissions processes and criteria.
- Could lead to a decrease in legacy student enrollment, affecting the sense of tradition at some institutions.
- Some argue that legacy preferences promote alumni engagement and support, which would be diminished.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the principle of equal opportunity, though the Constitution does not explicitly address college admissions. The Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment could be interpreted to support the elimination of preferential treatment based on factors unrelated to merit.
However, the Constitution also protects the rights of private institutions to make their own decisions, raising potential concerns about federal overreach into institutional autonomy. The bill's focus on institutions receiving federal funding mitigates some of these concerns, as it leverages Congress's power to regulate spending under Article I, Section 8.
Whether this constitutes an undue burden on institutions' rights remains a point of potential legal debate.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).