So true. The argument that "goals are not quotas" is always trotted out to defend the indefensible. I know from direct personal experience at a bankrupt former employer where the same intellectually dishonest line was frequently used.
Exactly. What is the point of establishing "goals" if they are not meant to have some coercive force? Shouldn't the only goal be to choose the most qualified applicants? If that means 8/10 minority applicants one year, fine. If it means none for five years running, so be it.