Mark Oppenheimer, host of the podcast Gatecrashers and expert on the hidden history of the relationship between Jews and the Ivy League, discusses efforts to keep Jews out of Ivy League institutions, the impact on college admissions processes, and current lawsuits. The podcast also covers topics such as education system size, gut health, life insurance, racism in Massachusetts, and foster care disproportionality, including a critique of MSNBC's coverage and proposed solutions.
The podcast Gate Crashers uncovers the history of discrimination against Jewish applicants in Ivy League admissions, shedding light on the need for more inclusive educational opportunities.
The over-representation of Latino children in the foster care system in Massachusetts emphasizes the importance of improved language access, cultural competency, and resources to support at-risk families.
Deep dives
The Disproportionate Representation of Latinos in Foster Care in Massachusetts
Latinos in Massachusetts face a higher likelihood of ending up in foster care compared to other states. The over-representation of Latino children in the foster care system points to the need for improved language access and cultural competency among child protective agencies. A more culturally sensitive reporting system and increased resources for families in poverty can help address this issue, as advocated by child advocates and activists in the Latino community.
The Historical Context of Discrimination in Ivy League Admissions
The podcast Gate Crashers explores the history of discrimination in Ivy League admissions, specifically targeting Jewish applicants in the early 20th century. The episode reveals how efforts to restrict Jewish enrollment led to the establishment of selective admissions procedures, shaping the perception and selectivity of these elite institutions. The podcast highlights the ongoing debates around diversity, meritocracy, and the need for more inclusive educational opportunities.
The Challenge of Achieving Genuine Meritocracy in College Admissions
Gate Crashers challenges the notion of a pure meritocracy in college admissions by emphasizing that selective schools have always prioritized constructing a certain social ecosystem on campus. Admissions processes aim to create a specific image of the student body, rather than simply admitting the smartest or most deserving individuals. The podcast calls for the establishment of diverse and accessible educational institutions that cater to different types of students.
The Need for Better Language Access and Cultural Competency in Child Protective Agencies
A Boston Globe article highlights the challenges faced by Latino children in the foster care system in Massachusetts. It points to the necessity for child protective agencies to have language access and cultural competency to effectively serve diverse communities. Improved screening methods and understanding the cultural context of families can help prevent unnecessary child removals and provide better support for at-risk children.
In this installment of Best Of The Gist, with the presidents of Harvard, M.I.T., and the University of Pennsylvania being hauled in front of the House of Representatives this past week to answer for antisemitic speech on their campuses, we thought it apropos to listen back to Mike’s interview with Mark Oppenheimer, host of the podcast Gatecrashers, about the hidden history of the relationship between Jews and the Ivy League. Then we’ll hear Mike’s front-of-show Spiel from Tuesday about MSNBC’s horrible rewrite of a Boston Globe investigation about foster care.