The Case for Class-Based Affirmative Action

Apr 28, 2025

Richard Kahlenberg, a senior fellow at the Progressive Policy Institute and education expert, dives deep into the debate on class-based affirmative action. He critiques existing policies that overlook socioeconomic factors, revealing how elite college admissions often favor affluent minorities. Kahlenberg discusses innovative strategies like community college transfers and the University of Texas's top 10% plan, advocating for a shift from race to class in admissions practices to achieve true diversity and equality in higher education.

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ANECDOTE

Kahlenberg's Personal Inspiration

Richard Kahlenberg was raised in a socially conscious, upper middle class family and influenced by Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy Sr.'s vision of multiracial working class coalition.
His early political thought was shaped during Reagan's presidency, emphasizing economic inequality over just racial issues.

INSIGHT

Class Over Race in Admissions

Economic status now predicts success in America more than race.
Affirmative action overlooked economic disadvantage, disadvantaging poor and working-class students regardless of race.

INSIGHT

Strivers Program Suppressed

The College Board's Strivers program aimed to identify disadvantaged students who outperformed expectations.
It was killed due to opposition from civil rights groups and universities preferring polished, wealthier minority students.

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Affirmative action for the rich

Richard Kahlenberg

Richard Kahlenberg's edited volume, "Affirmative Action for the Rich: Legacy Preferences in College Admissions," examines the impact of legacy preferences on college admissions. The book presents empirical data and analysis to challenge the notion that legacy preferences are beneficial or necessary. It argues that these preferences disproportionately benefit wealthy applicants, exacerbating existing inequalities in higher education. The book's findings have contributed to the ongoing debate about fairness and equity in college admissions. It provides a critical perspective on the role of legacy preferences and their implications for access and opportunity.

The shape of the river

William G. Bowen

First published in 1998, *The Shape of the River* by William G. Bowen and Derek Bok is a seminal work that examines the long-term consequences of considering race in college and university admissions. The book provides extensive data on the academic, employment, and life outcomes of students from diverse backgrounds, arguing that race-conscious admissions policies have been effective in promoting equal opportunity and diversity in higher education.

Class Matters

Richard Kahlenberg

Richard Kahlenberg's "Class Matters" challenges the traditional approach to affirmative action, arguing that a class-based system is more effective and equitable. The book delves into the history of affirmative action, highlighting the debates and competing visions that shaped its implementation. Kahlenberg presents compelling evidence demonstrating how race-based affirmative action disproportionately benefits privileged minority students, while neglecting those from disadvantaged backgrounds across all races. He proposes a class-based alternative that addresses economic inequality and promotes genuine diversity. The book offers a nuanced perspective on the complexities of affirmative action, advocating for a system that prioritizes socioeconomic factors to create a more inclusive society.