Those differences revolve around affirmative action programs that grant preferences to minorities and women.

Park hunting rules grant certain enumerated preferences to deer bowhunters.

Programs that grant preferences to minorities have been under intense legal and political scrutiny.

To the Editor: Like legacy candidates, athletes and applicants able to pay the full cost of college are often granted preferences.

In some cases they have maintained a strong antagonism toward granting preferences in government contracting or in employment.

So as some politicians vow to abolish programs that grant preferences to women and minorities, chief executives might be expected to welcome the move.

Last year, the Court set strict limits on when and how Federal agencies may grant preferences to minority and female contractors.