DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Florida Gov. Rick Scott received a prestigious award hundreds of people didn’t want him to get.
On Wednesday, Scott and four others received the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Leadership Award, which recognizes dedication to education and the community.
Many students were against giving the governor the award, named for the founder of Bethune-Cookman University..
"He is not someone who created laws in this state that align with the principles of communities of color," said student Jasmine Burney.
Burney started an online petition aimed at preventing Scott from receiving award. She said 800 people signed that petition. Some of those who signed the petition protested at the Ocean Center.
“I’m perfectly fine with being an army of one or an army of four. Eight-hundred people signed the petition,” said Burney.
In a letter Friday, the university board chairman said Scott deserved the award, saying the governor helped the school with $15 million in funding allocations over the last three years.
Burney said she doesn't believe the governor has earned the right to receive the award and that the governor’s policies do more harm than good for minorities statewide and at historically black colleges.
"I ask that the institution not make a decision like this without consulting with the alumni in the future," Burney said.
“Would Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune approve of this? If there’s any doubt don’t do it,” said alumni Timothy Latty.
Bethune-Cookman board Chairman Joe Petrock supports the secret committee chosen by the board that nominated Scott.
He said it’s not political but wouldn’t say who is on the committee.
Scott didn’t say much about the controversy.
“I just feel honored about receiving this award. It’s a great university,” he said. “It’s really important to invest in universities like Bethune-Cookman."
Tony Jenkins, Lucille O'Neal, Jeff Feasel and Rev. Gerald Lord also received the award.
WFTV
