Florida Gov. Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency in advance of a speech white nationalist Richard Spencer is scheduled to give at the University of Florida this Thursday.
“I find that the threat of a potential emergency is imminent,” Scott said in a seven-page executive order.
Spencer is scheduled to speak at the Gainesville campus of the university. The university stated that it is not affiliated with Spencer’s event in any way, but as a public institution, it is legally obligated to allow external groups — such as Spencer’s National Policy Institute — to express their viewpoints on the campus.
The governor’s order, Number 17-264, gives all state agencies the power to suspend rules and regulations, including for purchasing, travel and personnel actions. Scott also activated his authority as governor to spend surplus money as he deems necessary.
In an Oct. 10 email, university President Kent Fuchs urged all students to stay away from Thursday’s event, saying that Spencer and his group only want “to provoke a reaction” at their event.
