545 | Richard D. Kahlenberg: Is Class-Based Affirmative Action the Future of Higher Education?
Apr 3, 2025
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Richard D. Kahlenberg, author of *Class Matters* and director at the Progressive Policy Institute, explores the future of higher education in light of the Supreme Court's end to race-based affirmative action. He highlights the shift toward class-based approaches, redefines merit in admissions, and discusses how socioeconomic factors can enhance diversity. Kahlenberg critiques elitism in academia and advocates for access to community colleges and apprenticeships, emphasizing the need for inclusivity in education amidst today’s polarized political landscape.
The shift from race-based to class-based affirmative action in higher education aims to enhance both racial and economic diversity.
Redefining merit in college admissions to consider socioeconomic challenges highlights the complexity of achieving true inclusivity in selection processes.
The influence of elite institutions on America's leadership underscores the importance of diverse educational pathways for fostering empathy and social mobility.
Deep dives
The Shift from Race to Class in Admissions
Recent changes in affirmative action policies have led to a significant shift from race-based preferences to considerations of socioeconomic status in college admissions. With the Supreme Court's ruling against racial preferences, universities are now exploring how to maintain diversity through class-based criteria. Proponents of this approach argue that socioeconomic disadvantages can effectively achieve both racial and economic diversity, which has historically been lacking in higher education. Richard Kallenberg highlights that this transition, although necessitated by a conservative court decision, ultimately aligns with a liberal agenda focused on enhancing access for economically disadvantaged students.
Merit and Its Broader Definition
The debate surrounding meritocracy in college admissions has become increasingly complex, as differing interpretations of merit raise tensions among varying ideological groups. While conservatives often advocate for a narrow definition based on grades and test scores, Kallenberg argues for a broader understanding that includes the challenges applicants have faced. This redefinition of merit acknowledges that students overcoming significant obstacles may demonstrate greater potential than those who merely excel in a more privileged environment. Polling indicates that public sentiment leans towards this inclusive conception of merit, highlighting the need for admissions processes that truly reflect individual achievement against the backdrop of one's circumstances.
The Challenge of Upholding Diversity
As universities navigate the post-affirmative action landscape, concerns about maintaining racial diversity persist amid criticisms of class-based admissions criteria. Kallenberg notes that some institutions predicted drastic decreases in Black student representation; however, many have successfully maintained or even increased diversity without race-based preferences. The misconception that socioeconomic admissions would lead to segregated campuses demonstrates a failure to recognize the link between economic and racial disparities. Consequently, the ongoing challenge is for universities to address the fallout from the Supreme Court ruling while ensuring that their student bodies are reflective of the broader society.
The Role of Elite Institutions in Society
The influence of elite higher education institutions extends beyond academia, shaping the leadership class in America and impacting several societal aspects. Kallenberg underscores the need for these institutions to reflect the diversity of experiences within the country; a failure to do so risks the creation of a disconnected leadership unable to empathize with the struggles of the general populace. Joe Biden's analogy of the 'river of power' illustrates how concentrated educational backgrounds can restrict opportunities for individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds. Thus, fostering accessible pathways for a diverse range of students is crucial for both social mobility and the quality of leadership in American democracy.
Critique of Higher Education's Leadership
The ongoing discourse around higher education also sheds light on the deficiencies in its leadership and governance, particularly in response to evolving political pressures. Kallenberg emphasizes the strategic mistakes made by institutions when confronting challenges posed by figures like Trump, who exploit their weaknesses. The recent financial decisions made by universities, including hiring freezes, indicate a lack of transparency and may further undermine public trust. As leaders in higher education grapple with their roles and responsibilities, it becomes essential for them to prioritize genuine commitment to access and equity over reactive strategies that ultimately do a disservice to their mission.
Richard D. Kahlenberg, author of Class Matters: The Fight to Get Beyond Race Preferences, Reduce Inequality, and Build Real Diversity at America’s Colleges and Director of the American Identity Project at the Progressive Policy Institute, returns to The Realignment. Richard and Marshall discuss the future of higher education after the Supreme Court ended race-based affirmative action, why America's "river of power" runs through the Ivy League, tensions between class-based affirmative action and differing visions of "merit," higher education's response to the Trump administration's attacks, and the role of public, non-elite institutions in promoting economic opportunity.
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