From a recent survey conducted by the Chronicle of Higher Ed.:
Affirmative-action programs at colleges and universities contribute to the well-being of society
Strongly agree: 10%
Agree: 48%
Disagree: 27%
Strongly disagree: 7%
Don’t know: 8%

Colleges and universities should admit students from racial minority groups even if they have lower high school GPA’s and standardized-test scores than other students
Strongly agree: 5%
Agree: 26%
Disagree: 45%
Strongly disagree: 19%
Don’t know: 5%

Article: “What Americans Think About Higher Education:“
“The survey’s respondents were highly skeptical about affirmative action, tenure, big-time athletics, and other entrenched practices of the academic establishment. About two-thirds of the respondents said that colleges place too much emphasis on sports, and that experienced professors should not be granted jobs for life. More than 60 percent said colleges should not admit minority students who have lower grade-point averages and test scores than their peers.”