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aristarchus [soylentnews.org] writes:

The President of the University of Florida, W. Kent Fuchs, has released a letter concerning the upcoming visit to his campus by Richard Spencer, founder of the National Policy Institute and creator of the "alt-right" nomenclature.

This organization is unaffiliated with the university, and no student groups or other groups affiliated with the university are sponsoring this speech. This event is not finalized and it is still under discussion.

Per university regulation 2.004, non-university groups, organizations and persons may rent space on campus, provided they cover rental expenses and security costs like all other third-party renters.

Which raises the question: why denounce a speaker with no affiliation with your institution of higher education? He ends with an exhortation worthy of The Mighty Buzzard:

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.

Though we have a responsibility as a public university, we also have a vital duty to our students, faculty and staff to uphold our educational mission.

Instead of allowing hateful speech to tear us down, I urge our campus community to join together, respect one another and promote positive speech, while allowing for differing opinions. These types of groups want media attention. I encourage our campus community to send a message of unity by not engaging with this group and giving them more media attention for their message of intolerance and hate.

Entire letter available at the University of Florida performing arts website. [ufl.edu]

Why do white supremacists feel this overwhelming need to go to universities?

Original Submission