Students plan 'silent protest' during commencement
COLUMBIA (AP) -- A Missouri university's decision to award an honorary degree to former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft is drawing protests from some students and faculty members.
Ashcroft will receive the award and deliver the graduation speech Saturday at Truman State University in Kirksville. As governor, he led the effort to upgrade the school from a regional university to a statewide liberal arts campus.
Nearly 300 opponents signed a petition "voicing discontent" with the decision by the school's Board of Governors to give Ashcroft an honorary degree. A silent protest is planned during his commencement speech.
Among the issues cited for the protest are Ashcroft's opposition to gay marriage and his support of expanded anti-terror tools while leading the Justice Department.
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