Santa Fe College Administration Provides Guidance Ahead of Spencer Speech

October 17, 2017

October 17, 2017 – Santa Fe College administration officials have been meeting ahead of the scheduled speech by white-nationalist Richard Spencer on the University of Florida campus Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017.

Three people died during riots in Charlottesville, Virginia, after an appearance by Spencer, and many are concerned that similar violence could erupt in Gainesville during the speech.

Law enforcement from around the state has been called in to the region and security will be tight around the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts where the 2:30 p.m. speech is scheduled.

Many students, faculty and staff are concerned about the speech and the potential for violence and have voiced their concerns to SF administration.

Currently, SF plans on normal business operations the day of the speech. UF will also hold classes as scheduled, but has decided to close some buildings located near the Performing Arts Center.

SF faculty are encouraged to be empathetic to the concerns of students and all students and staff can review a list of frequently asked questions compiled by Vice President Dr. Naima Brown.

More information about UF's preparation for the speech can be found at freespeech.ufl.edu.