The Newcomer Podcast Katie Benner on Meritocracy, Race, and American Education Reform
Jan 16, 2026
Katie Benner, a New York Times correspondent and author of 'Miracle Children,' discusses the pitfalls of a charter school that boasted a 100% college acceptance rate. She reveals how the pressure for success led to unethical practices and harmful outcomes. The conversation delves into the complexities of meritocracy, exploring its history and contradictions. Benner also critiques how elite educational paths shape social perceptions and discusses the importance of redefining success to include civic roles outside traditional college routes.
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The TM Landry College-Acceptance Story
- TM Landry promoted a 100% college-acceptance myth to attract families and donors.
- Katie Benner found students were coached to trade racial hardship narratives and faced abuse at the school.
Holistic Admissions As A Gatekeeping Tool
- Ivy-era admissions tools like 'holistic' review were created to preserve elite power, not purely for fairness.
- These mechanisms persist and shape who gains educational access today.
Meritocracy's Mutable Role
- Meritocracy has shifted meaning over time and was sometimes rejected to protect elite homogeneity.
- Institutions have used meritocratic rhetoric selectively to advance opposing goals.
