A bipartisan group of senators reintroduced legislation to ban legacy admissions, reviving a debate about admissions fairness as universities adjust to changing court and enforcement environments. The Merit-Based Educational Reforms and Institutional Transparency Act would tie accreditation to colleges having admissions policies that do not give preferential treatment based on alumni or donor relationships. The bill defines preferential treatment as the determinative factor in admissions decisions or educational benefits. It would not bar colleges from considering “demonstrated interest,” but would require clear, public criteria and accessible opportunities for applicants to demonstrate it. The legislation explicitly includes language aimed at protecting religious colleges’ ability to make admissions decisions consistent with institutional faith-based values. Sponsors include Republicans Todd Young, Tim Scott, and John Kennedy and Democrats Tim Kaine, Raphael Warnock, and Andy Kim.