The Mona Charen Show
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.
46:37
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Quick takeaways
- Richard Kahlenberg argues that socioeconomic status significantly impacts student success, challenging the effectiveness of race-based affirmative action in universities.
- Kahlenberg critiques legacy admissions for perpetuating economic inequality, pointing out that elite colleges often favor affluent students over truly disadvantaged individuals.
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Influences and Early Inspirations
Richard Kallenberg's background is rooted in a liberal, socially conscious environment that shaped his views on affirmative action. Growing up in Washington, D.C., he was influenced by figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, who emphasized the importance of addressing economic inequality alongside racial issues. Kallenberg’s thesis on Kennedy's 1968 presidential campaign illustrated his commitment to a multiracial working-class coalition. He argues that King’s vision for a Bill of Rights for disadvantaged individuals broadly recognizes the need for economic solutions to rectify historical discrimination.
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