Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
What is the fairest path to building real diversity in higher education? Join Heterodox Academy (HxA) for a conversation with Richard Kahlenberg about his latest book, Class Matters: The Fight to Get Beyond Race Preferences, Reduce Inequality, and Build Real Diversity at America’s Colleges. Kahlenberg, who directs the American Identity Project at the Progressive Policy Institute and teaches at George Washington University, argues that focusing on class rather than race in college admissions is the key to expanding opportunity, reducing inequality, and strengthening fairness in higher education. Drawing on decades of research and personal experience, he shows how shifting the lens from race to class can both broaden diversity and address America’s widening economic divides.
Moderated by Nicole Barbaro Simovski, Director of Communications, Marketing, and Events at HxA and creator of Bookmarked Reads on Substack, this virtual pop-up event will explore core themes of Kahlenberg’s book, including:
1. Why class-based admissions policies may better serve equity and diversity goals
2. How current approaches mask systemic advantages for the wealthy
3. The implications of the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision ending racial preferences
4. What a new framework for fairness in higher education could look like
This 60-minute webinar will preview key insights from the book and include time for audience Q&A and discussion. Register now to secure your spot! us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iggsDxLUQ3SnENgoosBrJA
What is the fairest path to building real diversity in higher education? Join Heterodox Academy (HxA) for a conversation with Richard Kahlenberg about his latest book, Class Matters: The Fight to Get Beyond Race Preferences, Reduce Inequality, and Build Real Diversity at America’s Colleges. Kahlenberg, who directs the American Identity Project at the Progressive Policy Institute and teaches at George Washington University, argues that focusing on class rather than race in college admissions is the key to expanding opportunity, reducing inequality, and strengthening fairness in higher education. Drawing on decades of research and personal experience, he shows how shifting the lens from race to class can both broaden diversity and address America’s widening economic divides.
Moderated by Nicole Barbaro Simovski, Director of Communications, Marketing, and Events at HxA and creator of Bookmarked Reads on Substack, this virtual pop-up event will explore core themes of Kahlenberg’s book, including:
1. Why class-based admissions policies may better serve equity and diversity goals
2. How current approaches mask systemic advantages for the wealthy
3. The implications of the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision ending racial preferences
4. What a new framework for fairness in higher education could look like
This 60-minute webinar will preview key insights from the book and include time for audience Q&A and discussion. Register now to secure your spot! us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iggsDxLUQ3SnENgoosBrJA
