I'm working on a writing discussion question and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.

How would you respond (in about 250 words) to an individual who suggests that the mere fact of taking into consideration an individual’s race or ethnicity when interviewing them for a position within the health field, is a form of racism (because some individuals will be given additional consideration as a result of their racial or ethnic background), and that one should simply consider who is the most qualified for the position and forget about considering race or ethnicity altogether?