Holy Cross university ponders over legacy admissions policy shift following affirmative action's decline
Holy Cross University, a prestigious institution known for its strong community and rich history, is currently reconsidering its stance on legacy admissions. This reevaluation comes in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision on race-based affirmative action in college admissions in June 2021, which has also prompted a reconsideration of legacy admissions across various educational institutions.
For many years, conversations with family members who graduated from Holy Cross have sparked initial interest in attending the College. The close-knit community and the pride passed down from generation to generation have been a significant factor in attracting students. However, the potential ending of legacy admissions has caused unrest amongst some students, as they question the fairness of the current system.
Legacy admissions, a practice first implemented by Ivy League institutions in the 1920s, were designed to maintain White Anglo-Saxon Protestant dominance in higher education amid influxes of Catholic and Jewish immigration. While Holy Cross does not have a formal 'legacy admissions' policy, it does consider legacy as one factor among many others in admissions decisions.
The B.J.F. Society, a student-led organization at Holy Cross, has hosted debates on various topics, including legacy admissions at the University. These discussions have provided a platform for students to voice their opinions and concerns about the practice.
The reconsideration of legacy admissions at Holy Cross is not an isolated event. Institutions such as Johns Hopkins, Wesleyan, and Amherst College have already moved away from legacy admissions, choosing to focus on merit-based selection.
The reevaluation of legacy admissions at Holy Cross has garnered attention from political figures as well. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-O.R.) and Congressman Jamaal Bowman (D-NY-16) introduced legislation to bar colleges and universities from maintaining legacy preferences. Similarly, Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Todd Young (R-IN) have proposed legislation banning legacy preferences for children of alumni and donors.
In response to these developments, President Biden directed the Department of Education to examine 'legacy admissions and other systems that expand privilege instead of opportunity.' This directive further emphasizes the growing scrutiny on legacy admissions practices.
The College's leadership team and Board of Trustees are currently reevaluating their approach to legacy admissions. While there are no publicly available details or announcements about decisions made by the University in autumn 2023 regarding changes to legacy school admission eligibility, the ongoing discussions indicate a shift towards a more equitable admissions process.
Some students at Holy Cross believe that legacy status should not be considered in admissions decisions, as it contributes to a lack of diversity and may compromise the quality of the student body. They argue that merit-based selection would create a more diverse and dynamic student body, reflecting the broader society.
Despite the unrest and debates, the tradition of Holy Cross remains strong. During tailgates, it is common to find vehicles of students alongside their purple-clad parents and grandparents, who are Holy Cross graduates. The connection between the College and its alumni continues to be a source of pride and community spirit.
However, as the conversation around legacy admissions continues, it is clear that Holy Cross, like many other institutions, is grappling with the balance between tradition and equality. The decisions made in the coming months will undoubtedly shape the future of the University and its community.
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