Ivy League Universities as well as many top US Universities have been having a rough year. After the upheaval caused by freeze on millions of dollars of federal funding to the proposed cap on international admissions, top universities now face questions on the age-old practice of ‘legacy admissions.
Writing to the Education Department recently, the conservative advocate Edward Blum along with education analyst Richard Kahlenberg and economist Peter Arcidiacono have challenged the practice, as reported WSJ (Wall Street Journal). They have questioned the preferential treatment for the offspring of the alumni.
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Blum further writes, “Legacy applicants have done nothing meritorious to earn this advantage.” It may be relevant to point out that Blum had spearheaded the lawsuit against Harvard in 2023 that resulted in Supreme Court striking down affirmative action then. This move now accelerates the push to ban legacy admissions in US Universities. Trump Administration’s push for ‘merit-based’ admissions is also fuelling the movement.
For the uninitiated, Ivy League universities have a reserved quote for legacy admissions where children of alumni get preference. This is also further extended to many top universities that give preferential treatment to children of ‘donors’.
Public Response
The question on legacy admissions have divided the people. The universities have defended their stand, calling it essential for fundraising and fostering a sense of community.
Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber in 2023 said, “We think it’s an important part of who we are as an institution that creates a community that persists long after somebody graduates.”
Many people are also defending legacy admissions – pointing out the good that is done from the ‘funds’ raised thereof.
On the other end of the spectrum, a large number of masses are against the practice and in favour of ending it. The legacy admissions – as per them, adds no real intellectual value to the university and is ‘corroding’ the diversity. Many have even called Ivy League Universities a ‘playground’ for the rich.
How would students from India be impacted?
Strictly speaking, there is no direct impact on Indian students, either way. Only a few Indian students fall into the category of legacy admissions hence no direct impact would be felt.
However, the move may directly impact the fundraising at many of the top universities. With the Ivy Leagues as well as the top universities under scanner, there may be an increased scrutiny, and scholarships may take the brunt.
When it comes to the top universities in USA, not many Indian students can afford the education without a scholarship. The cost is too high. Overall scholarships are likely to be impacted if the funds are thus affected.