Gavin Newsom avoids question on bringing back SAT scores after UC open letter, asks 'show me the data'

Gov.

Gavin Newsom , D-Calif., avoided directly answering Wednesday whether he would support reinstating SAT/ACT requirements after open letters from more than 3,000 University of California (UC) faculty members.

During a press event to kick off the new school year, Newsom was asked about the open letter, released in May, which cited concerns about incoming students' math preparedness.

A UC San Diego report found roughly one in eight incoming students fell below high school math standards, while one in 12 fell below middle school standards.

The finding came after the UC Board of Regents voted in 2020 to phase out the SAT and ACT from admissions consideration.

Newsom responded that "we all have our own perspective" on SAT requirements but said that he wanted to see more data on the subject before making a decision.

NEW YORK TIMES CALLS UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA'S 'TEST-BLIND' ADMISSIONS POLICY A 'TERRIBLE' MISTAKE "I think it's an important discussion and debate.

I'm open to argument, interested in evidence," Newsom said.

"Show me the data.

I have feelings about this.

There's anecdotes about this.

But I want to see the data.

And I made that point at the regental level." Newsom added that he has spoken to the UC president, James B.

Milliken, and the board on the topic and will continue to wait for more information.