Rep. Jamaal Bowman wants to end a decades-old practice steeped in racism and elitism
Rep. Jamaal Bowman, a New York Democrat, jumped into the legacy-admissions fight on Wednesday when, with Sen. Jeff Merkley, Democrat of Oregon, he reintroduced the Fair College Admissions for Students Act (Bowman introduced a similar bill back in February 2022).
In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn race-conscious admissions, there has been a movement toward ending legacy admissions — or preferences for the children or family of alumni and of major donors. Recently, Wesleyan University ended legacy admissions to much fanfare.
Bowman wants more institutions to follow suit, and his bill, if enacted, would prohibit colleges from participating in federal student-aid programs if they offer admissions based on legacy or donor status. The bill could be modified to allow historically Black colleges and universities to continue to offer admissions to legacy applicants and those whose families make significant donations, as those institutions were formed with the explicit purpose of offering access to underserved Black students.
The Chronicle talked with Bowman about his legislation and legacy admissions. The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Can you explain what’s in the bill? What are you trying to address?
We are addressing a longstanding issue which gives privilege to those who have wealth and are big donors to higher-education institutions, and legacies. These practices are not democratic. Ending structural and institutional racism is a priority for our office. And anywhere we see institutional and structural racism are things we want to address. This particular bill addresses structural racism in higher education.
When you say the process is undemocratic, what do you mean? How is it unfair?
Seventy percent of the kids who benefit from legacy admissions are white. And legacy admissions has a history of racism. It was intended to exclude immigrant Jewish students from these institutions. We aim to create legislation that creates a country accessible to everyone.
Your legislative push on legacy admissions comes in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to end race-conscious admissions. You represent a diverse district that includes parts of the Bronx and affluent sections of New York City suburbs. What was your constituents’ reaction to the decision?
For them it is another example of racism and inequality in society. The racism is clear, and it contributes to the hopelessness many of them feel. For the Supreme Court to end affirmative action and not touch legacy admissions, and use the 14th Amendment to do so, is disingenuous and unacceptable.
You attempted to pass this bill in 2022. What is going to be different this time?
Right now we have Republicans considering being co-sponsors. Sen. Tim Scott, Republican of South Carolina and a presidential candidate, mentioned on the campaign trail he is interested in ending legacy admissions. We have a few in the House and in the Senate who are in support of this. We will keep our fingers crossed that they will get on board.
The NAACP urged colleges across the country to end legacy admissions. Have you reached out to the NAACP in your efforts?
We are working closely with the NAACP on the bill as far as lobbying members of Congress.
Are you concerned this might affect students of color whose parents attended selective universities and would therefore qualify as legacy applicants?
No, we are not. We are trying to create a more equitable system. This is about leveling the playing field. In theory, students who have parents who have done well will do well themselves. No students should be able to get into any institution if they are not qualified. With affirmative action, the misconception is that average African American students were getting into selective universities. That’s not the case. They were exceptional. —J. Brian Charles
