California sends Newsom bill ending traditional admissions to elite universities

Assembly Bill 1780 passed largely along party lines in the state Senate on Tuesday. The California State Assembly then received the bill for a concurrent vote. The bill seeks to prevent private California universities, such as Stanford University or the University of Southern California, from giving preferential treatment to the children of alumni or donors. Newsom has until the end of September to sign or veto the legislation.

Democratic state Assemblyman Phil Ting, who introduced the legislation in the Assembly, said his measure will “level the playing field” and welcomed the bill’s movement Wednesday.

“My bill to end donor and bequest preferences in the college admissions process is headed to the administration. Applicants with family ties or wealth should not be let in the side door, taking away spots from qualified students. Fairness and equity must come first,” he said in a post on X.