MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- About 100 people went on a march from the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus to the Capitol this evening.

They're protesting an evening appearance by an opponent of affirmative action, Ward Connerly, before a Republican-led special legislative committee that is considering how to ban the practice in state government.

Connerly, who is black, heads a group called the American Civil Rights Institute. He's has led successful efforts to eliminate affirmative action in California, Washington and Michigan.

Among the messages: "Hear my voice, not Ward Connerly's," "Level the playing field," and "Affirmative action is my right."

UW System president Kevin Reilly last year created an admissions advisory group to review the undergraduate admission process and recommend guidelines to help campuses attract a diverse student body.