Positive Discrimination - An Oxymoron?

More accurately it semes to be a debate heating up in the UK where advocates are pushing for changes that would allow the hiring of "ethnic minorities" because of their lack of representation in certain jobs. According to the story, Positive race discrimination row: The end justifies the mean:

The spectre of positive discrimination being allowed in the UK has moved a step closer, with the head of an influential new government advisory body calling for changes to the law.

Since I don't know the history of what we called affirmative action here, I don't know whether the UK is years ahead or behind this argument in America. Certainly, we have been down this road before and although there is increased attention to the importance of diversity I don't see much stomach for recognition of legalized discrimination to accomplish that goal.