A registered student organization has invited a speaker to our campus in mid-April who has been identified as a white nationalist. This ideology is counter to our institutional values. The University of Alabama did not invite this individual. UA stands for the equality of all people.
As a public university, the law and our commitment to free speech do not allow us to refuse a speaker based on the content of speech. This speaker was invited by a registered student organization that followed appropriate policies and processes. The best way to demonstrate distaste for hateful dialogue is not to give it an audience. At this time, we understand other events and activities are in the planning stages.
Many in the campus community, including campus leadership, have strong feelings against the messages this person may espouse. The security of our campus is our absolute priority. Hate and bigotry have no place at The University of Alabama. Our community is diverse, inclusive and accepting, and we are committed to treating one another respectfully. We value the ways diversity enriches our University community.