Now that the colleges are controlled by the left it is rebellious to be conservative. The social pendulum swings slowly but swing it will.
Don't count on it. 50% of the population (Double X chromosomes) cannot achieve parity without affirmative action especially in scientific and technical fields. They will always demand a boost when a disparity becomes obvious.
You are probably making a light hearted sarcastic remark which would make the following inappropriate but, just in case....
How would affirmative action contribute to achieving parity? I suppose that depends on what you define as parity.
Success is inner motivated. A college degree verifies a person has been exposed to a certain amount and kind of material. Grade inflation has eliminated its ability to predict "education". Whether as person is able to attend a school of his choice is unimportant. He can always get into a school somewhere. Even lacking that, there are libraries and the internet where information on everything imaginable. If a person desires and education he can get it. If not, affirmative action may get him a job through intimidation and quotas, probably in a government job, but I don't know if that is what you refer to as parity.
Regardless, a person who desires success can achieve it, no matter the circumstances.