The University of Florida has denied a request for Richard Spencer to speak on campus.
Spencer is a white nationalist and "alt-right" activist. He is co-editor of AltRight.com and leader of the National Policy Institute.
The institute contacted the university to reserve space for Spencer to speak in September.
University President Kent Fuchs announced Wednesday that the request has been denied. He said he finds the "racist rhetoric of Richard Spencer and white nationalism repugnant and counter to everything the university and this nation stands for."
Fuchs said the university made the decision based on the likelihood of violence and potential injury, not because of the words or ideas.
Dear Campus Community:
Amid serious concerns for safety, we have decided to deny the National Policy Institute’s request to rent event space at the University of Florida.
This decision was made after assessing potential risks with campus, community, state and federal law enforcement officials following violent clashes in Charlottesville, Va., and continued calls online and in social media for similar violence in Gainesville such as those decreeing: “The Next Battlefield is in Florida.”
I find the racist rhetoric of Richard Spencer and white nationalism repugnant and counter to everything the university and this nation stands for.
That said, the University of Florida remains unwaveringly dedicated to free speech and the spirit of public discourse. However, the First Amendment does not require a public institution to risk imminent violence to students and others.
The likelihood of violence and potential injury – not the words or ideas – has caused us to take this action.
Warm Regards,
W. Kent Fuchs
President, University of Florida