- Harvard University is facing a legal challenge over its practice of "legacy admissions", which tend to favor white and wealthy applicants. The issue has come to the fore following a Supreme Court ruling that eliminated race as a key factor in college admissions.
- Boston-based nonprofit Lawyers for Civil Rights filed a federal civil rights complaint against Harvard, alleging that the legacy admissions process favors white students and discriminates against students of color.
- The complaint was lodged on behalf of three groups representing black and Latino communities, and calls for an investigation into Harvard's legacy preferences and an end to the practice if the university wants to continue receiving federal funds.
What is the 'legacy admissions' controversy at Harvard?
Harvard University has come under fire for its practice of "legacy admissions", which refers to giving preference to undergraduate applicants with family ties to the institution. Advocacy groups claim this policy tends to favor white and wealthy students and have petitioned the government to halt the practice.
What sparked this legal challenge against Harvard?
The legal challenge comes in the wake of a recent Supreme Court ruling that American colleges can no longer consider race as a significant factor in their admissions process. Spurred by this decision, a Boston-based non-profit called Lawyers for Civil Rights (LCR) filed a federal civil rights complaint against Harvard, accusing it of giving preference to white students due to their familial connections, regardless of their individual accomplishments.
What does the complaint against Harvard entail?
The complaint, filed with the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, accuses Harvard of violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. It cites research showing that nearly 70% of legacy and donor-related applicants are white, and such students are six to seven times more likely to be admitted than non-legacy applicants. The complaint was lodged on behalf of three groups representing black and Latino communities in the New England region, and demands that Harvard's legacy preferences be investigated and deemed illegal.
How has Harvard responded to the complaint?
Harvard has declined to comment on the complaint. However, the university previously responded to the Supreme Court's ruling by stating that it will continue to welcome "people of many backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences".
What impact does legacy admissions have on colleges?
Legacy admissions can account for nearly a quarter of newly admitted students at some of the nation's top schools. Supporters argue that the policy helps build a strong alumni community and donor base. However, critics say it perpetuates systemic inequality by favoring wealthy and predominantly white applicants, regardless of their individual merit.