George W. Bush will be recognized Monday evening at a private event at the University of Denver (DU), but a group of students, faculty and alumni plan to protest, the Associated Press reported.
The former president is set to be awarded by DU's Josef Korbel School for his work to prevent HIV, cervical cancer and malaria in Africa. The protestors do not agree because they believe Bush is responsible for the war in Iraq and for the U.S.'s practice of torture on prisoners.
The occasion is a private fundraising dinner at a downtown hotel that will also recognize him for his service as president. The dinner will also feature a public discussion with former Iraq ambassador and current DU Dean Christopher Hill.
The students and graduates who disagree with the award said it will hurt the school's international reputation. The Josef Korbel School is named after the father of former Secretary of State for President Bill Clinton Madeleine Albright and is known for its focus on human rights.
"He's tarnishing Korbel's name in an attempt to rebrand Bush as a positive character," said Sara Fitouri, a Korbel and law student at the university who plans to attend the protest.
Representatives from the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum and GWB Presidential Center did not comment publically on the planned protest. University spokeswoman Kim DeVigil said the school is looking forward to Bush's visit, but they would also hear out any group on their protest.
"A university is a place where civil discourse should occur and the fact that a former two-term president is coming to the university is an honor," she said.
Even some who oppose the award still would support just a recognition dinner and discussion. Carol Hubbard, a DU graduate from Virginia, said she supports Bush's visit, but not an award honoring his legacy. She said she hoped the school would change its mind at the last minute, but also suggested changing the name of the award to "Global Impact" and not "Global Service."
The original name of the award to be given to Bush was the "Improving the Human Condition Award," but DeVigil said that name was temporary until they found a different one. She denied the first name change was made due to opposition.
The award's name changes each year and past winners include Ban Ki-moon, United National secretary-general, Condoleeza Rice, Bush's secretary of state and Albright.