Some of Michigan's students, for example, said Duggan's decision hypocritically promotes discrimination and resentment.
"Distinguishing based on race is going backwards," said Matthew S. Schwartz, a University of Michigan student who was also editor-at-large of Michigan Review, a conservative publication. "I think affirmative action breeds animosity."
"Affirmative action is supposed to counter racism, but it uses racism," said Adam J. Wieczorek, a University of Michigan senior.
Marcie B. Bianco '02, president of Harvard College Democrats, said she believes that continuing discrimination in the world requires affirmative action as a remedy.
"The problem with [arguments against affirmative action] is there's still explicit discrimination against minorities," Bianco said. "Race discrimination is still prevalent."