The thing about affirmative action in this country is that it barely exists. To the extent that it does exist, it's mostly about somebody making sure that some women and minorities are actually considered for jobs. There have been various schemes in universities at various times, but it's hardly universal and the number of minority students who have actually benefited is pretty small. Then there are some civil service (cops, etc.) exam issues and minority contracting provisions mostly at the local level... that's about it.
As for colleges and universities, well, whatever the intent, legacy admissions tip the scales against minority applicants far more than any affirmative action programs tip the scales towards them. Every now and then I'd like those obsessed with the evils of affirmative action to make this point.
