> I wonder is she there because of her excellence, or is she there because of affirmative action?"

Unfortunately this is valid.

This question highlights a real problem with how affirmative action policies work in practice. When we have systems that explicitly consider race in hiring/admissions decisions, it inevitably creates this uncertainty and that is unfair to everyone.

The real issue is not individuals, it is that these policies create systematic doubt that hurts the very people they are meant to help. Maybe we need to rethink approaches that do not put qualified people in this impossible position where their achievements are automatically questioned.

Do you disagree?

I don't disagree but this assumes he was having good faith arguments. Look at his comments in the broader context of his ideologies. You're cherry picking.