The University of Denver's decision to honor former President George W. Bush for his work combating the spread of HIV in Africa prompted about 100 students and faculty to protest outside the dinner where Bush was being recognized.
Protesters hold signs outside the hotel where former President George W. Bush was being honored at a private fundraising dinner by University of Denver's Josef Korbel School, Monday Sept. 9, 2013, in Denver. (AP)
Bush received the award from the university's Josef Korbel School for international studies. More than 1,100 people attended the private fundraising dinner where Bush was present, the Associated Press reported.
Bush started the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which has spent billions to fight HIV, as well as cervical cancer, malaria and tuberculosis in Africa and continued under the Obama administration.
But protestors, such as Kathy Joy, 63, were angry about Bush leading the country into the war in Iraq and for enhanced interrogation of terrorism suspects.
“I don't think Bush deserves this award because he didn't do anything but lie to the people and lie to the country,” Joy said. “Even if he did send a couple of dollars of aid to Africa, he did a lot more harm killing innocents in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
University of Denver spokeswoman Kim DeVigil said they were honored to have Bush visit the university and said it should be a place of civil discourse involving all different views.
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