On August 14, 1970, the City University of New York (CUNY) implemented an open admissions policy, marking a significant shift in higher education. The policy was designed to provide access to higher education for all high school graduates, regardless of their academic background or socio-economic status. It was part of a broader movement toward educational equity and aimed to address the needs of underrepresented and marginalized communities.

Under the open admissions policy, CUNY allowed students to be admitted to its colleges without the traditional requirement of high school diplomas or standardized test scores, though students still had to meet certain academic standards during their time at the university. This policy made CUNY a pioneer in expanding access to college education, especially for working-class and minority students in New York City.

The policy had long-lasting effects on both CUNY and the broader landscape of American higher education, highlighting the tension between inclusion and academic rigor, and it spurred debate over how best to balance access and quality in public education.