This well cited paper explains the UNiversity of Michigan's law case along with background on affirmatice action history. It also includes amicus brief implications and uses in the decisions.

Affirmed Discrimination The phrase affirmative action was first used by John F. Kennedy in the context of racial discrimination in 1961, however the phrase today conveys a different message then in 1961. The reason for this difference, lies in the courts. Over the past several decades the Supreme Court in particular has altered the phrase, affirmative action, through its rulings. The most famous up until recently was the 1978 Regents of the University of California v. Bakke case …

…policy that emphases are differences and rewards/punishes based on the race of an individual. This only creates anger and animosity between races. I end in quoting a brilliant man who only want equality nothing more, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." I share that dream.