The current “elites” are of mediocre intelligence, who dimly understand that they are only “elite” because of the wealth and connections they inherited from their parents.
They understand that there are lots of non-elites out there who are younger, smarter, and more energetic than them.
This frightens them.
Yes.
And that is why they are setting up barriers to entry for elite positions.
Degrade the quality of the public schools, to reduce potential competition.
Use Ivy League degrees as a screen for any elite position. Then get rid of objective academic qualifications for those schools, instead with weight on the “application essay” where they can screen for Regime supporting woke.
(also scream about “equity” while maintaining legacy admissions at the Ivies)
This is a well worn path of elite decay and decline.
For example In the UK prior to WW2, entry to Oxford or Cambridge required Classics (ie Latin and Greek) which the private schools taught, and the state schools did not.
And an Oxbridge degree was the requirement for an elite position.