Negotiations to build a Bush presidential library at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas have divided the school's faculty and raised questions about the university's relationship with President Bush.

SMU is one of three reported finalists for the project, along with Baylor University in Waco, Texas and the University of Dallas. Southern Methodist is widely reported to be the frontrunner.

At a meeting this week, some professors complained that the combined library, museum and research facility would celebrate what they see as a presidency that took the United States into an unnecessary war. But other faculty said they would welcome the complex.

SMU officials say the project is not likely to be disrupted by any objections from faculty members.

First Lady Laura Bush graduated from the school, which is located in one of Dallas' wealthiest neighborhoods. Mrs. Bush is on the board of trustees, and Vice President Dick Cheney previously served on the board. Presidential adviser Karen Hughes and former White House counsel Harriet Miers also are graduates.