Affirmative action, in all forms; be it college admission, hiring, job advancement, or any other action where specific "rewards" are provided based on race, ethnicity, gender or other identifying characteristics instead of a specific "qualification" based selection, are, I will certainly admit, troubling.

They have, over the decades of their implementation, provided opportunities for individuals who, without them, would never have had those opportunities.  There is no question about that.

However, (here's the troubling part), they have also had the unintended consequence of denying others who don't "qualify" for such preferential treatment, those same opportunities.  The term "reverse discrimination" is often used to discribe this issue.  The case of Allan Bakke is a landmark example.  

The same issue arises in Title IX decisions.  The elimination of the wrestling program at the U of O is an example.  

I'd certainly enjoy discussing these issues with you......regards, Gary