Conversations on Inequality and Public Policy: Affirmative Action

Reflecting on the SCOTUS decision on race-based admissions, this conversation joins different perspectives on affirmative action.
Discussion | Public Event
Location The Forum at The Keller Center, Harris School of Public Policy, 1307 E. 60th Street, Chicago, IL, 60637
Featured Speakers Ethan Bueno de Mesquita, Geoffrey Wodtke, Steven Durlauf, Glenn Loury
Research Areas Education, Policy and Political Economy, Race and Ethnicity

When the 2023 Supreme Court decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and UNC struck down race-based college admissions, it reignited debates about affirmative action as a tool for addressing inequality and historical injustice. Should affirmative action attempt to rectify historical wrongs or focus on ongoing disparities? What is the meaning of meritocracy in education? How does diversity enhance colleges and universities? Given the Supreme Court decision, what public policy alternatives should be explored to combat inequality and discrimination?

Professor Steven Durlauf, Director of the Stone Center for Research on Wealth Inequality and Mobility, and Brown University Professor Glenn Loury discussed their different perspectives on affirmative action. Ethan Bueno De Mesquita, Dean of the Harris School, moderated the discussion. This event presented its audience with arguments on both sides of a complex and nuanced issue to foster a citizenry able to evaluate opposing perspectives critically and make informed decisions.

 

Click the image below to watch the conversation.

Steven Durlauf (left) and Glenn Loury (right) seated on a stage.

 

Schedule

Start Time End Time Session Session Leaders
4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Registration
5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Discussion Moderator: Ethan Bueno De Mesquita

Presenter: Geoffrey Wodtke

Panelists:

Steven Durlauf

Glenn Loury
6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Reception