California has passed a law banning private colleges and universities from giving preferential treatment to applicants with family connections, known as legacy preferences. This law, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, will take effect in fall 2025 and will impact institutions like Stanford University and the University of Southern California. The move comes after a Supreme Court ruling last summer that prohibited race-based considerations in college admissions, shedding light on the role of legacy status in elite school selections. The aim is to promote merit-based admissions, opening up opportunities in higher education for a wider range of students. While schools with legacy preferences argue that their standards remain high, critics point out that such practices often favor white and wealthy applicants. The legislation in California follows similar bans in Maryland, Illinois, Virginia, and Colorado, with efforts to level the playing field in college admissions. The law will require schools to report admissions data related to legacy preferences, and those found in violation will be publicly named on a state website. The changes are expected to impact admissions for the fall 2026 class, with the hope of increasing diversity and equity in college admissions.