#  Jeremiah Cha (APRW) 

 



####  calendar\_today Date and Time 

 **March 3, 2026** 

 12:00PM - 02:00PM EST 

####  pin\_drop Location 

 **CGIS Knafel room K354**  



 

 [ Join via Zoom arrow\_circle\_right ](https://harvard.zoom.us/j/99320596113) 

 



 

### Speaker & Title

Jeremiah Cha, "Preaching to the (After School) Choir" (with Hunter E. Rendleman and Tyler Simko)

### Abstract

When and why does race become central to public deliberation? Existing accounts assume a linear relationship between racial diversity and racial discourse, treating it as a direct reflection of group representation or threat. We argue instead that racial discourse emerges strategically when race is both politically salient and groups are homogeneous and stable enough to serve as an effective mobilizing category. Using school board meeting transcripts from U.S. districts (2010-2023), we examine when and how frequently race is invoked across varying levels of student, board, and electorate diversity. We find that moderately diverse districts exhibit the highest levels of racial discourse, while both homogeneous and highly diverse districts exhibit lower levels. Our findings demonstrate that public invocations of race reflect strategic calculations about when racial appeals are politically useful rather than simply mirroring demographic composition. We show how speakers adapt their rhetoric to demographic contexts, with implications for understanding representation, mobilization, and when identity becomes central to political discourse.



 

The American Politics Research Workshop (Gov 3004) meets all academic year, Tuesdays, 12:00–2:00 PM, in CGIS K354. This workshop presents an opportunity for graduate students and Harvard faculty to present and receive feedback on their current research. The workshop highlights key theoretical and empirical findings from Harvard affiliates on topics related to American politics.

All interested Harvard affiliates are invited to attend. Lunch will be provided.



 

 



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