Richard D. Kahlenberg is an education and housing policy researcher, writer, consultant, and speaker.
He is Director of Housing Policy and Director of the American Identity Project at the Progressive Policy Institute and a professorial lecturer at George Washington University's Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration. He was recently featured in a front-page New York Times profile on his policy work as a "liberal maverick."
The author or editor of 20 books, Kahlenberg has been recognized primarily for his expertise in three policy areas:
• Affirmative action in higher education. He has been called “arguably the nation’s chief proponent of class-based affirmative action in higher education admissions.”
• Diversity in K-12 schools. He has been labeled “the intellectual father of the economic integration movement” in K–12 schooling.
• Zoning barriers to housing opportunities. His work on how housing policies inhibit educational opportunities made him one of Washingtonian magazine’s top 25 most influential people shaping education policy.
Engagement as an HxA Member:
Presented at HxA Virtual Event, Summit, or Conference
Featured in HxA Member Story
Guest on HxA Podcast
HxA Writers Group Member or Veteran
Active Moderator of an HxCommunity
Active HxA Campus Community Co-Chair
Author of essay in inquisitive magazine or HxA's blog
Former or Current Faculty Fellow at HxA's Segal Center for Academic Pluralism
Speaker's Title and Institutional/Organizational Affiliation:
Director of American Identity Project, Progressive Policy Institute & Professorial Lecturer, George Washington University
Event Type :
Lecture/Presentation
Fireside Chat
Book Talk
Film Screening + Talk
Constitution Day Event
Classroom Visit
Workshop
Podcast
Debate or Forum
Speaking Topics - List up to 5 specific topics or titles, each separated by a semicolon:
Affirmative action; housing policy; school integration; labor unions; charter schools
Blackout Dates (Dates speaker is unavailable, Days/Month/Year):
None
Distance Willing to Travel:
Any/No Limits to Travel Radius
Scholarly Area:
Education
Modality of Event :
In Person and/or Virtual
Willingness to be recorded:
Willing
Speaking Fee (Not including travel/lodging expenses):
$2,500-$4,999 USD
Recent Appearance (1 of 5) -title, host institution, year:
Affirmative Action, Princeton University 2025
Recent Appearance (2 of 5) -title, host institution, year:
Affirmative Action, New York Public Library, 2025
Recent Appearance (3 of 5) -title, host institution, year:
Affirmative Action, University of Virginia, 2025
Recent Appearance (4 of 5) -title, host institution, year:
Affirmative Action, Aspen Ideas Festival, 2023
Recent Appearance (5 of 5) -title, host institution, year:
Housing Policy, U.S. Congress Testimony, 2021
Link to Speaker's Professional Website (to include sample writings and more extensive bio):
www. richardkahlenberg.org
