Bill > S943

This bill aims to ban discriminatory admissions practices at higher education institutions in Massachusetts by prohibiting "donor preferences" and "legacy preferences" in the admissions process. Specifically, the bill defines donor preferences as admissions advantages given solely based on an applicant's familial relationship to financial supporters of an institution, and legacy preferences as advantages given solely based on an applicant's relationship to alumni. The legislation applies to public institutions of higher education and other degree-granting institutions in the commonwealth, preventing them from considering these preferences when making admissions decisions. Institutions may still collect data about familial relationships to donors and alumni. The bill introduces financial penalties for violations, including fines calculated as a percentage of the institution's net investment income: 1.4% for a first offense, 2.8% for subsequent offenses, with additional potential consequences such as revoking tax exemption certificates for repeated violations. The new admissions policies will take effect for the 2026-2027 academic year, giving institutions time to adjust their admissions processes. The goal is to create a more equitable admissions system that does not advantage applicants based on family connections or financial contributions.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S943