Affirmative action for rich kids

Plus Texas A&M stuck in spotlight, teachers get fired for attending a drag show, and what to do when it's too hot everywhere

View this email online July 30, 2023 Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. Scott Eisen/Getty Images Happy Sunday! Greg Rosalsky from NPR’s Planet Money here. I’m dropping in to share some of my reporting from earlier this week: Affirmative action for minority kids may now be dead. But a blockbuster new study finds that, effectively, affirmative action for rich kids is alive and well. They may or may not always do it on purpose, but a group of the most prestigious private colleges in America are handing a massive admissions advantage to rich kids over less affluent kids — even when they have the same SAT scores and academic qualifications. The study is by Raj Chetty and David J. Deming, of Harvard University, and John N. Friedman, of Brown University. We at Planet Money have already dubbed Raj Chetty the Beyoncé of Economics because of his long list of popular hits in empirical economics. And, let me tell you, this is another ***Flawless classic in his catalog. I mean, not only is the study eye-opening, but Chetty is also kind of sticking his neck out here, by shining a spotlight on the admission practices of his employer, Harvard. But they can't fire Beyoncé! (He has tenure). Among a number of other discoveries, the economists find that kids from the richest 1% of American families are more than twice as likely to attend the nation's most elite private colleges as kids from middle-class families with similar SAT scores. The silver spoon these wealthy kids are born with can, apparently, be used to catapult them past other equally bright, but less privileged kids into some of America's best colleges. Going further, the economists find evidence suggesting that reforms to the admissions policies at these prestigious schools could really make a big difference in the life trajectories of less affluent kids, and make America's elite less of an exclusive club for people born into privilege. ​​​​​​​Read the whole story here.   — Greg Rosalsky, Planet Money Reporter, NPR Read More Newsletter continues after sponsor message Now, let’s get into some news …  In Texas, Christian school teachers were fired after going to a Houston drag show. Attending a drag show at Hamburger Mary’s, and later posting about it on social media, led to Kristi Maris losing her teaching job of nearly 20 years, she wrote on Facebook. — Adam Zuvanich, Reporter, Houston Public Media You Make NPR Possible Your financial support is the NPR Network's greatest strength. Do your part to ensure the reporting and shows you love are here for you and your community. Help make it possible today, and for generations to come. Please donate now.    The oldest Black fraternity pulls out of Florida convention due to African American history standards. Alpha Phi Alpha says it's moving its 119th anniversary convention from Orlando due to, “Governor Ron DeSantis’ harmful, racist, and insensitive policies against Black communities.” The decision came after the state recently revealed its new African American history standards which includes teaching that slavery was beneficial to some of the enslaved. It follows a decision earlier this year by DeSantis to ban an AP African American History course. — Danielle Prieur, Reporter, WMFE Central Florida A Texas A&M professor was suspended for allegedly criticizing the lieutenant governor. Joy Alonzo was suspended and investigated after she allegedly criticized Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick at a lecture on the opioid crisis. Free speech advocates call the probe "blatantly inappropriate." — Dustin Jones, News Reporter, NPR A former Northwestern volleyball player is suing the university over alleged hazing. The player, who is identified in the lawsuit as "Jane Doe 1," is the first female athlete from the university to come forward amid reports of hazing in the school's football program. — Jonathan Franklin, News Reporter, NPR A moment of joy before you go ... Here's a cool story from NPR science fellow Bec Roldan with a fresh illustration from fellow illustrator Malaka Gharib. I never knew wet socks could make a difference, but I am definitely trying it out this weekend! Stay hydrated, friends, and thanks for reading. — LA Johnson, Art Director, NPR Ed Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to hear live radio from WBEZ (edit station). What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: npred@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Music, Politics, Code Switch and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Education emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy