S2534
An Act relative to equitable higher education admissions policies
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Bill overview
This bill seeks to establish more equitable admissions policies at Massachusetts higher education institutions. It aims to ban legacy preferences – advantages given to applicants with familial connections to the institution – and prohibit discriminatory admissions practices. The bill also requires colleges and universities to publicly report their admissions practices annually to the Attorney General and the Department of Higher Education.
Key provisions
- Prohibits legacy preferences in college admissions.
- Bans discriminatory admissions practices.
- Requires higher education institutions to submit annual reports on admissions preferences.
- These provisions are based on previously introduced bills (S.928, S.943, and S.950).
- The bill was drafted as a consolidation of several related proposals.
- The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.
Who is affected
- Higher education institutions in Massachusetts
- Applicants to Massachusetts colleges and universities
- Students seeking admission to Massachusetts colleges and universities
- The Attorney General
- The Department of Higher Education
Notable changes
- This bill builds upon previous legislation addressing similar issues.
- It represents a consolidated effort to address legacy preferences and discriminatory practices.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Higher Education
Cosponsors
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Bill S.2534 194th (Current)
An Act relative to equitable higher education admissions policies
Senate, June 23, 2025 -- The committee on Higher Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 928) of Lydia Edwards for legislation to ban legacy preferences in higher education; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 943) of Mark C. Montigny for legislation to ban discriminatory admissions practices at higher education institutions; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 950) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation to require higher education institutions to issue an annual report to the attorney general and department of higher education on their prior year admissions preference, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2534).
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Higher Education Status: Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
Bill History Cosponsors
Bill History
Displaying 3 actions for Bill S.2534
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 6/20/2025 | Senate | Reported from the committee on Higher Education |
| 6/23/2025 | Senate | New draft of S928, S943 and S950 |
| 6/23/2025 | Senate | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means |
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