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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsFlorida: If a white nationalist wants to speak on campus, do you have to let them? UF says yes
Source: Miami Herald
Alternate title: Richard Spencer wants to speak at UF on Sept 12
BY ALEX HARRIS
AUGUST 14, 2017 10:30 AM
The same day the largest white nationalist protest in years erupted in violence in Virginia, the University of Florida announced that the man behind the march wants to speak on campus, and the school might let him.
Richard Spencer, the self-proclaimed leader of the alt-right who explicitly calls for an all-white ethnostate, asked UF to speak on September 12 through his organization the National Policy Institute. In a public letter, UF president Kent Fuchs said no student group asked for or sponsored Spencers speaking engagement, but the university is still obligated to let him talk.
While this speakers views do not align with our values as an institution, we must follow the law, upholding the First Amendment not to discriminate based on content and provide access to a public space, Fuchs wrote.
UF spokeswoman Janine Sikes said no contract has been signed with NPI, so the event is still tentative.
-snip-
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/education/article167072002.html
herding cats
(19,568 posts)Texas A&M cancels Sept. 11 White Lives Matter event
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/local/education/campus-chronicles/amp/Rep-Texas-A-M-cancels-Sept-11-White-Lives-11818626.php
Ilsa
(61,698 posts)Good thing the event was cancelled.
Wiginton does not live in Bryan/College Station, and does not have a degree from there. He just wants to recruit Corps of Cadets, many of whom join the armed forces after graduation, into their sinister world.
herding cats
(19,568 posts)I agree it's a good thing it was canceled, and it's funny that it was Wington's own bragging that brought it down.
The university could cancel the event, Smith said, because organizer Preston Wiginton directly linked his plans for A&M to the weekend violence in Charlottesville near the University of Virginia with a press release that read "Today Charlottesville, Tomorrow Texas A&M."
haveahart
(905 posts)Ilsa
(61,698 posts)Marching band, heavy on brass, playing Sousa marches at the same time to drown them out?
MineralMan
(146,333 posts)on campus. Let him speak there. Freedom of speech can be observed in many ways.
loyalsister
(13,390 posts)But UF is free to do so. I see it as an opportunity to show them that they are not as well liked as they may think they are.
Weekend Warrior
(1,301 posts)Unless they put him in an auditorium for safety reasons. It would most likely be at the Plaza of the Americas. Open to all.
Hare Krishnas are there once a week to feed any students who want a free vegan meal. The line for spaghetti is huge. Once a year the Young Republicans(UF Group) host a barbecue right next to them. Truly just to be offensive.
Phoenix61
(17,019 posts)Very good eats. I have a cookbook they put out. They have a place outside of G'ville around the Lacrosse area.
Weekend Warrior
(1,301 posts)I really enjoyed the food they brought, for the most part. 😁
grantcart
(53,061 posts)1) he has the freedom of speech, not the freedom to speak at every institution at any time
2) The odd thing about this is "no student organization asked for or sponsored" it.
Universities have many obligations and that includes providing safety for people who reside there. If a student group requested it then they would have to respond but to people who "self invite" them, I doubt it.
Of course the city in the area would have to offer an area in a public place that is roughly commensurate with other political speech.
FLPanhandle
(7,107 posts)1) UF is state university, not private, so has to abide by the 1st amendment.
2) They have historically had an open policy of allowing groups to speak setting a precedent.
3) The Nazi's are quick to file lawsuits like they did in Virginia.
The trick is to use public safety or another reason to deny him instead of the content of his message, otherwise they sue.
FLPanhandle
(7,107 posts)"For many in our community, including myself, this speakers presence would be deeply disturbing. What weve watched happen in Charlottesville, VA. in the last 24 hours, is deplorable. I again denounce all statements and symbols of hate. The University of Florida is a community of learners, educators and scholars. We encourage open and honest dialogue, and we strive to build an inclusive environment where hate is not welcome. While this speakers views do not align with our values as an institution, we must follow the law, upholding the First Amendment not to discriminate based on content and provide access to a public space."
Sounds like they are caught between not wanting them and looking for a way out of the immediate lawsuit if they don't allow them.