Ex U of I presidents demand reform in admissions system

Former leaders from the University of Illinois are calling for sweeping change in light of a clout list that allowed politically connected students admission over more qualified applicants.

Leaders, including former Presidents Stanley Ikenberry and James Stukel, have written a letter to the commission investigating the claims.

According to the letter, "the integrity of the admissions process has been compromised."

University officials have testified that the clout list, dubbed "Category I" by university officials, has existed for decades. Officials have said it was set up to track applicants who were recommended by lawmakers and donors, among others.

The commission met Monday to hear testimony from out of state admissions experts.