[thesnider]

It certainly has nothing to do with biology, and everything to do with sociology/history and yes, even politics (shocking that a research institution would be involved in politics, I know).

There is, however, a systemic bias tied to things like skin color, or accent, and not at all associated with the ability of such applicants to do well in the institution. As a result of this systemic bias, applicants that would, were they white, be admitted in a heartbeat, are judged significantly more critically, so we attempt to correct this problem by giving them more 'points' or whatever in the admission process for possessing physical attributes that incorrectly hold them back.

I'm not sure what other system you would propose in such an environment?