" is that in situations like this, nobody can really tell whether she earned it on her own merits or not." Actually, academics have a strong track record of pu

" is that in situations like this, nobody can really tell whether she earned it on her own merits or not." Actually, academics have a strong track record of publishing, teacher reviews, management etc. Arguably, it's harder to tell 'who should get the job' in a field of so many talented people. I wouldn't chalk this one up to affirmative action - this is just someone who got the job.