SENATE BILL REPORT

SJM 8010

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Higher Education & Workforce Development, February 25, 2009

Brief Description: Petitioning the federal government to eliminate federal financial benefits from accruing to colleges and universities that use legacy preferences in admissions.

Committee Activity: Higher Education & Workforce Development: 2/25/09 [DP, w/oRec].

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Kilmer, Chair; Jarrett, Vice Chair; Becker, Ranking Minority Member; Hewitt, McAuliffe, Shin and Stevens.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.

Signed by Senator Pflug.

Background: Legacy college admissions are preferences given to applicants, who are children of alumni, for admission to an institution. Current research shows that 52 of the top 68 national universities and 50 of the top 53 liberal arts colleges grant legacy preferences. These include both private and public institutions.

Summary of Bill: The Legislature asks the President of the United States, Congress, and the Secretary of Education to deny federal grants, student aid, or other financial benefits to colleges or universities that use legacy preferences in their admissions decisions.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Few children among the bottom quartile of income earners receive baccalaureate degrees. A much higher percentage of children among the top quartile of income earners do. In difficult economic times, we do not have all the financial aid that we want to provide to low-income students. We need to make sure that children from low-income families have an equality opportunity to attend college. College admission should be based on the applicant’s merit not the merit of the applicant’s family members.