Opposition to lowered standards
The Chronicle of Higher Education released their survey showing that, despite an affiinity for affirmative action, a majority of Americans oppose admitting minorities who have lower test scores than other applicants. This Washington Times articles cites a defense of AA by David Ward, president of the American Council on Education:
[David Ward] told the Chronicle that lack of public support for actual affirmative-action programs, such as Michigan's, comes from misunderstanding. "We just haven't done a good job at explaining ourselves in these areas," Mr. Ward said, particularly in the Michigan case, where undergraduate minority applicants are given a statistical advantage over whites if they meet the university's minimum admissions standards.
Actually, Mr. Ward, I think you've done a fine job of explaining it, which is why 64% of those surveyed oppose these types of double standards. The racism and unfairness in these standards is perfectly clear - no additional explanation needed.
Update: Discriminations has a lengthier post on this topic. Go and enjoy.