Bans preferential treatment to a public or private university applicant because of the student's familial relationship to a previous university attendee.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would make it illegal for Rhode Island colleges and universities — both public and private — to give an applicant an advantage in the admissions process simply because a family member previously attended that school. This practice is commonly known as "legacy admissions" or giving preference to "legacy applicants." Under this bill, a student's relationship to an alumnus or alumna could not be used as a positive factor when deciding whether to admit them.

The bill affects all prospective college students in Rhode Island, as well as the colleges and universities themselves, which would need to change their admissions policies if they currently consider family connections. Students who might currently benefit from legacy preferences — typically children or grandchildren of alumni — would no longer receive that advantage. Conversely, applicants without family ties to a particular school would compete on a more level playing field.

Currently, this bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and referred to the House Education Committee. The committee has recommended holding it for further study, meaning lawmakers want more time to review and discuss it before taking any action. This is a common step in the legislative process and does not mean the bill has been passed or rejected.