The Daily

One Elite High School’s Struggle Over Admissions

Jun 24, 2022

Jay Caspian Kang, a writer for Times Opinion and The New York Times Magazine, delves into the Lowell High School admissions controversy. He discusses the shift from a merit-based system to a lottery, highlighting its implications for racial equity. The podcast examines the personal stories of students navigating identity in this competitive environment, revealing deep-seated tensions around inclusivity and systemic racism. Kang also explores how these debates reflect broader educational inequities across the United States, making for a compelling discussion on reform and representation.

51:36

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Episode guests

Jay Caspian Kang

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Admissions and Identity at Elite High Schools

9min

Confronting Racism: The Padlet Incident

14min

Navigating Racial Tensions in Admissions

5min

Navigating Racial Dynamics

3min

Navigating Identity and Politics: A Chinese American Student's Journey

15min

Debating Equity and Merit in High School Admissions

3min

Political Turmoil: Guns and Election Integrity

4min

A bitter debate about the criteria for enrolling students at Lowell, in California, has echoes of the soul-searching happening across the U.S. education system.

Guest: Jay Caspian Kang, a writer for Times Opinion and The New York Times Magazine; and Jessica Cheung, a senior audio producer for The Daily.

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Background reading:

The decision to replace Lowell High School’s admission process with a lottery system was a key factor at play in a recall election in February that ousted three members of San Francisco’s school board.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

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