This anecdote supports a theory I've been hearing about affirmative action harming excellent minority candidates.

It helps those who would've not made it otherwise, but for those who truly excel and would've made it either way; it diminishes their accomplishments in a way that's unfortunate.

It's not like affirmative action is a secret, the buyers in the labour market knows about it and will react accordingly.

In some ways, I guess it's similar to how people used to avoid buying cars made on a Monday.