I'm not sure I see how that's connected to the article or the linked DOE policy - can you expand on what gets you that feeling? It seems to be saying the precise opposite of that, in my reading.
See Hopwood v. Texas and Fisher v. University of Texas for examples of affirmative action causing schools to deny applicants based on race. Based on the new requirements, it appears to indicate that it will encourage grant applicants to do just that and implement quota-based programs.