News

Actions

University of Florida confirms white nationalist speaking event for October 19th

Posted at 9:35 AM, Oct 06, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-06 09:35:41-04

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The University of Florida says it has confirmed Oct. 19 for a speaking event featuring white nationalist Richard Spencer.

UF released a statement Thursday making the previously tentative date official. The school is charging the allowable costs of $10,564 for rent and security.

RELATEDRichard Spencer, noted white nationalist, punched by protestor on Inauguration Day

University of Florida denies white supremacist to speak on campus

The university has repeatedly stated that it will not be affiliated with the event in any way, but as a public institution, UF is legally obligated to allow the expression of many viewpoints by external groups, such as Spencer’s National Policy Institute.

UF previously denied the group’s request to hold an event on Sept. 12, citing recent violence at a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. UF President W. Kent Fuchs said at the time that the First Amendment doesn’t require risking imminent violence to students.