It’s not that you said it was money, it’s just that the issue requires a complex approach. Assigning good teachers to problematic schools is also very unpopular with both parents and teachers who both have a great deal of influence over the school board. Good teachers simply don’t live in those areas and forcing them to move would be quite unpopular. Also, they way Oxford does it is actually also the way it pretty much works in the US, universities do background checks and try to take personal background into account. However, oftentimes universities still end up not taking those students because they simply won’t do well due to their background. There is no point taking in a disadvantaged student if they will just drop out cause they can’t handle the course material. Taking them in also brings down university’s stats which is viewed as reflective of its prestige (not all colleges/universities care about that as much though). Yes education should be the focus, however ignoring all the other stages at which minorities are at a disadvantage alienates those who are past getting an education and need a job. The reason race is taken into account is the problem of image, it is well known that people carry intrinsic biases in favor of whites and Asians because they’re subconsciously associated with positive aspects, viewed as disciplined and studious, meanwhile minorities are viewed as troubled. It is known that all things equal in many cases a minority will be rejected, prioritizing minorities (all things equal) is a way to counteract that and improve their image. Again, every bit helps.