With the current events that have gripped the nation, today some big news comes down from the University of Florida. Today the word comes down that University of Florida’s Kent Fuchs Cancels National Policy Institute’s Requests For Event Space. The President of the University of Florida, Kent Fuchs released a statement that can be read below.
He stated that the “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.” We hope that this is a trend that continues throughout other Universities in the country. Check out the full statement below and give us your thoughts in the comments. Stay tuned for more on this coming soon!
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
