Explained: The history of legacy admissions in the US and why Stanfords latest move is raising eyebrows

Stanfords exit from Californias state-funded aid lets it continue legacy admissions, bypassing a new law limiting preferential treatment for alumni-connected applicants. Legacy policies, rooted in the 1920s to preserve elite demographics, favor affluent, predominantly white students, sparking criticism for perpetuating inequality. Amid legal shifts and calls for equity, Stanfords move reignites debate over access, privilege, and merit in U.S. higher education.