Affirmative action is necessary because there is still systemic discrimination in this country; because minority applicants are still at a disadvantage in our educational system, in the opinion of this long-serving educator. It is not a 'quota' system, despite the rhetorical over-simplifications of the hysterical on this subject. And while we're at it, I resent the original poster's efforts to spin the responses on this thread by prohibiting commentary on the President's ill-advised actions. The President will lose whatever goodwill he gained from stomping on Trent Lott by interfering with the Court's work and siding with those who have resisted the diversification of our society. Pity those white applicants who long to be considered a discriminated class: they don't want to admit that their race (and mine) still holds all the cards. Unqualified minority students don't gain acceptance in UofM, and there are empty classroom seats waiting for qualified white students. "Steadfastly ignore" those who disagree, if you choose, but affirmative action is a small and reasonable step to level a playing field made muddy by years of racism and neglect.