‘Affirmative Action for the Rich.’ Legacy Students Confront Their Privilege | NYT Opinion
64,626
Published 2023-08-29
The Education Department even opened a civil rights investigation last month into Harvard University’s legacy admissions policy.
But what about the students who have benefited from the practice themselves, and were accepted by elite colleges in part because their parents are alumni?
In the Opinion Video above, five recent university graduates, all legacies, wrestle with the advantages they enjoyed in the college admissions process.
“It’s painful for me to think that all of my hard work in high school was so irrelevant compared to the fact that I was able to check the box that my dad went there,” a graduate of Brown University says. “There is a pretty natural human shame in admitting that you might not have earned something.”
Subscribe: bit.ly/U8Ys7n
More from The New York Times Video: nytimes.com/video
----------
Whether it's reporting on conflicts abroad and political divisions at home, or covering the latest style trends and scientific developments, New York Times video journalists provide a revealing and unforgettable view of the world. It's all the news that's fit to watch.
All Comments (21)
-
But the real question is: would the privileged give up their spot for someone who earned it? I think not. It’s easier to acknowledge and recognize when you’ve already benefitted.
-
Everyone was against affirmative action, but have never had any issue with legacy admissions. Just because their parent went to a certain school or can afford to make huge donations, doesn’t make their kids any smarter than anyone else.
-
I remember reading about this in Lisa Jobs (Steve Jobs daughters book). She didn't check any boxes, but when they saw her name on the application form, they took it to the back then came out with a big smile on their face. It wasn't because of her academic performance, but her connection to the Apple CEO at time. Pretty much, money on the brain, the thought of potential endowments because his daughter attended Harvard.
-
It's sad that more rich kids aren't like this. Most of them never recognize their privilege.
-
I got into University of Southern California and graduated. I’m a first generation college graduate. The admissions process and academic requirements were so difficult especially when you had to work to avoid being evicted. I did it by myself
-
As a Black person, I don't care about legacy student admission. Y'all are not the enemy. The enemy is those that are attacking the LITTLE we have with Affirmative Action, that we are not even the main benefiters of...
-
Props to these students for admitting their privilege. At least they're that self aware.
-
Never thought that legacy people will ever have imposter syndrome. Very Interesting topic.
-
Money rules the world. If folks didn’t know it now, best time they learn.
-
"Remove the check box - but not before I get a chance to check it" - 😂 Classic
-
I would be filled with pride that my child, even though they benefited from program, have the self-awareness, honesty and courage to acknowledge and speak out on the inherent unfairness of admin policy. WELL DONE.
-
Oh poor you...now that you've already benefitted from it...hypocrisy has its own reflection.
-
I think a lot of people have felt imposter syndrome in one aspect or another, but I never stopped to think that legacy students would feel imposter syndrome. Checking that box may have meant that this student got in over somebody else. It's a very conflicting and guilt-inducing experience.
-
Yeah this is nothing new to anyone familiar with highly ranked / ivy league schools. Even happens in elite prep-schools. Best part is that even if you don’t have “legacy”, for a nice donation you can get a meeting with the dean or head of admissions. Donate a library and you can ensure your descendants’ admissions as well!
-
Has anyone investigated legacy admissions and/or nepotism in the US military too? For instance, the late Senator John McCain came from a Navy family, was admitted to the US Naval Academy and got on the coveted naval aviator career trajectory. The US military seems to proclaim that it's a meritocracy but maybe not so much? Or maybe it's more that military families pass on a willingness to serve in the armed forces to their children. And they know how to navigate the bureaucracy to get the better assignments.
-
Very strange that in this era this is going on in the USA. Is there no importance of merit? Appreciate the children who spoke against it.
-
Man great students really. However these students speaking out is probably a small fraction of the legacy admission population. Most kids who benefit from this probably know they have an advantage and have no quams with it. Still thumbs up 👍 for these brave students for starting the conversation.
-
Why should everyone pay tax money to a college institution that doesn't give everyone the same opportunity??
-
These people are good actors.
-
Jay-Z's lyrics repeat in my head as I ponder the depths of "Legacy, legacy legacy." I must acknowledge my feelings of envy for such upbringings. I couldn't imagine having professional parents with doctorates passing down their knowledge and experience. My mother was a single parent who committed suicide when I was 11 years old. I never knew my father, so the majority of my life has been a solo expedition of curiosity and lessons through mistakes. I appreciate these individuals recognizing and acknowledging both the legacy privileges within their families and within Ivy League institutions. Many affluent individuals lack the humility, understanding, and care for those with humble beginnings and complicated stories in life. It feels like a step in the right direction when we aren't simply insisting that people "pull themselves up by their bootstraps," in addition, acknowledging that context matters in regard to educational opportunities. The younger generations give me hope that the future can be a more perfect union for all in this country.
