The proposed bill aims to eliminate legacy and donor preferences in the admissions processes of public institutions of higher education in Massachusetts. It amends Chapter 15A, Section 9, and Chapter 69 by adding provisions that prohibit these institutions from considering an applicant's familial relationships to current or former students or donors when making admission decisions. Additionally, the institutions are barred from including any information in their admission documents that reveals the names of colleges or universities attended by the applicant's relatives or any donations made by them.
Furthermore, the bill mandates a review by the Department of Higher Education regarding the use of binding early decision admission policies in the state. This review will assess the impact of such policies on equity and diversity among enrolled students, focusing on various demographic factors. The findings and recommendations from this review are to be published and submitted to relevant legislative committees within one year of the bill's enactment. The provisions regarding legacy and donor preferences will take effect for admissions leading to enrollment in the 2026-2027 school year and beyond.
Statutes affected: Bill Text: