In July, six senators reintroduced the MERIT Act: Republicans Todd Young, Tim Scott and John Kennedy, and Democrats Tim Kaine, Raphael Warnock and Andy Kim of New Jersey. It would make ending admissions preferences for relatives of alumni and donors a condition of accreditation. The push follows an April National Review column by Young and Edward Blum, whose group won the Supreme Court case that ended race-conscious admissions. Similar bills stalled in 2023 and 2025, and policy experts quoted by Higher Ed Dive doubt this one passes without White House support.
What this means for your student
Don’t plan around a federal ban. Legacy status still matters at many private colleges. If your student isn’t a legacy, the path in is what it’s always been: a file with something in it worth arguing for.
Related reading
Sources: Office of Sen. Todd Young (July 2026); Higher Ed Dive.