AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — A federal judge has ruled that Auburn University must let white nationalist Richard Spencer speak on campus Tuesday.
The ruling by U.S. District Judge W. Keith Watkins came at a hearing in a lawsuit challenging Auburn’s refusal to let the talk occur in the student union, as originally planned. Lawyer Sam Dickson filed the suit on behalf of Cameron Padgett, identified as an Atlanta-area resident who rented an auditorium for Spencer’s talk.
In a statement, the university said it would abide by the decision and allow Spencer to speak.
“We continue working closely with law enforcement officials to ensure the safety of the campus community,” the statement said.
Both Spencer supporters and opponents are expected to attend, and police say they’re establishing a protest zone.
Spencer previously made news by addressing a far-right gathering where audience members gave a Nazi salute.
[image via screengrab via ALJazeera]
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