MIAMI, Jan. 20 (UPI) -- Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is taking the walkout of about 15 students at predominantly black Florida A&M University philosophically.
Bush was on the Tallahassee campus to deliver his Martin Luther King Day address, but he said he didn't see the students walk out, the Tallahassee Democrat reported.
He later said such demonstrations are an important element to a free society.
The students distributed a one-page statement saying Bush's visit on the national holiday was disrespectful of King and black students.
Bush's One Florida plan, passed in 1999, ended affirmative action for colleges and "set aside" preferences for state purchasing.
The results were massive demonstrations, many of them involving FAMU students.
Bush was invited to the school's commencement in 2002, but declined when student leaders threatened a boycott.
But he was warmly welcomed by about 200 students faculty at the breakfast Monday, despite the walkout.
