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Auburn University has called off a lecture by white supremacist and accused neo-Nazi Richard Spencer scheduled for Tuesday.
“In consultation with law enforcement, Auburn canceled the Richard Spencer event scheduled for Tuesday evening based on legitimate concerns and credible evidence that it will jeopardize the safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors,” the university said in a statement. The university initially intended to allow him to speak.
Spencer promotes the “alt-right,” a right-wing movement often characterized by its racist views.
On Friday, Spencer posted to Twitter simply: "#LetSpencerSpeak." He tweeted Thursday he expected his event at Auburn would sell out. He added in a separate Tweet Thursday, “Perhaps we should overbook and then forcibly remove patrons. What could go wrong?”
Auburn previously released a statement about Spencer’s talk: “We strongly deplore his views, which run counter to those of this institution. While his event isn’t affiliated with the university, Auburn supports the constitutional right to free speech. We encourage the campus community to respond to speech they find objectionable with their own views in civil discourse and to do so with respect and inclusion.”
Spencer had paid $700 for university space and for security, according to news reports.
Over the weekend, Spencer vowed to show up at Auburn and give his talk despite the university's action.
