Florida: If a white nationalist wants to speak on campus, do you have to let them? UF says yes

[Eugene]

Source: Miami Herald

Alternate title: Richard Spencer wants to speak at UF on Sept 12

If a white nationalist wants to speak on campus, do you have to let them? UF says yes

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 Spencer’s speaking engagement, but the university is still obligated to let him talk.

“While this speaker’s 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]

1. Hey, suddenly Richard Spencer has September 11th free if they want to move it up a day.

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]

6. They were going to bring firearms.

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]

10. All of this is about expanding their brand and increasing their reach.

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.

University administrators consulted with law enforcement, system leaders and regents before cancelling the rally, spokeswoman Amy Smith said. Gov. Greg Abbott's office said Monday it had been working with the university on how to handle the event safely as well.


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]

2. Until the law changes, yes. But no one is required to listen to them.

[Ilsa]

3. Can another group set up a

Marching band, heavy on brass, playing Sousa marches at the same time to drown them out?

[MineralMan]

4. Book him into an all-gender restroom

on campus. Let him speak there. Freedom of speech can be observed in many ways.

[loyalsister]

5. Probably not

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]

7. He will not be able to dictate the audience...

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]

13. Had lunch many times from the Hare Krishnas

Very good eats. I have a cookbook they put out. They have a place outside of G'ville around the Lacrosse area.

[Weekend Warrior]

14. +1

I really enjoyed the food they brought, for the most part. 😁

[grantcart]

8. Probably don't have to let him in

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]

12. Unfortunately, they sort of have to let him in.

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]

9. Quote from UF President

"For many in our community, including myself, this speaker’s presence would be deeply disturbing. What we’ve 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 speaker’s 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.

[RainCaster]

11. He needs to pay for the security. No bond, no speech.

[Blue_true]

15. Yes. nt