Last night, after weeks of competition, Teach for America executive Kevin Huffman beat out social media consultant Zeba Khan to become “America’s Next Great Pundit” for The Washington Post. The Post originally framed the contest as an opportunity for people seeking “a bigger audience” and “more of an impact on the national debate.” Huffman has proved himself a quick and insightful writer, but shouldn’t judges and voters have accounted for privilege?

Currently, just 10-20 percent of op-eds are written by women.  Khan and the most recent finalist,  Progressive Women’s Voices alum and WMC friend Courtney Martin, would have brought The Washington Post perspectives from the truly under-represented. In a contest designed for unheard voices to take the national stage alongside so many white men, why choose another white man?

Read Courtney Martin’s WMC Exclusive on her firsthand experience in the competition.