ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Wearing white armbands, Washington University faculty and students stage a silent protest as conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly is awarded an honorary degree.

Hundreds stood silently and turned their backs during Friday's commencement as the 83-year-old Schlafly was bestowed an honorary doctorate of humane letters.

Schlafly already holds both bachelor's and law degrees from the university. She did not speak from the stage.

Protesters have cited Schlafly's views about homosexuals, women and immigrants, saying they go against the most fundamental principles for which the university stands.

Schlafly earlier this week called the protesters "a bunch of losers."

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