This study is getting a lot of attention lately. An analysis by two Princeton professors shows that elite universities really only favor one kind of diversity, ie diversity based on skin color and/or Latino ethnicity. Asians and middle class whites — especially whites from rural backgrounds — are discriminated against. This analysis shows that the groups discriminated against include Pentecostals, evangelicals and Mormons.
I think the Princeton study will provide a lot of ammunition for those who feel the affirmative action process is outdated and unfair. If the stated purpose of admissions favoring diversity is to improve the university by admitting a wide variety of students, shouldn’t that wide range include religious students with different backgrounds?
It is worth pointing out that including in your application participation in rural farm organizations like 4H and Future Farmers of America actually HURTS you in the admissions process. Given how many Mormons participate in these groups in rural Utah and Idaho (among other places like rural Colorado, where I live), shouldn’t we Mormons be concerned about such discrimination?
UPDATE: Ross Douthat addresses this issue in his NY Times column here.