Explained: The Legacy Admissions Debate in the Context of US Supreme Court Ruling Against Affirmative Action

Legacy admissions, a long-standing practice in U.S. higher education, grant preferential treatment to applicants with family ties to alumni, predominantly at elite universities. While proponents argue it fosters tradition and alumni support, critics view it as perpetuating privilege and inequality. Recent legislative efforts and debates, particularly following the 2023 Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action, have intensified calls to abolish legacy admissions.