x
Breaking News
More () »

UT announces security plan for white supremacist speaker

UTPD said a "secure demonstration area" will be set up on the Ayres Hall lawn adjoining Cumberland Avenue.

The University of Tennessee announced several security measures that will be in place when a known white supremacist group holds an event on campus this weekend.

The Traditionalist Worker Party originally reserved space in the McClung Museum on Saturday. The university has said the group will instead be allowed to meet in Buehler Hall, an academic building on the Hill.

Chancellor Beverly Davenport says the university is required to let the group speak, even if what they say may be offensive to some.

"I think we're saying to the nation that these people were not invited and they are not welcome," Davenport said.

In a campus message about the security plans, UT Police Chief Troy Lane said all classes and other events on the Hill are canceled for Saturday, and several other campus buildings will be locked.

"It's going to be secured," Davenport said. "It's going to be safe. We have more than five different agencies, law enforcement agencies working with us, advising us, and we've planned together how to approach the situation."

Lane said most of the group's activity on campus is expected to take place between noon and 5 p.m.

MORE: UT Chancellor: 'Together, we will unite against racism and hate'

MORE: 'No place for hate': Hundreds gather against racism at UT

The campus will close all buildings and roads on the Hill, and the UTK Pride Center decided to close as well.

In a statement, the UTK Pride Center said it's "a target for the TWP, who often bring weapons to their events and actively advocate for 'conversion therapy' and capital punishment for the LGBTQIA community."

Davenport said the focus will hopefully be on students' learning.

"Let's turn the conversation away from what they stand for to what we stand for," Davenport said. "We stand for unity, we stand for peace, we stand for being open to ideas and struggling with those ideas."

She said the First Amendment and university policy prevent UT from telling the group they can't speak on campus at all, even if she would personally prefer otherwise.

UTPD said a "secure demonstration area" will be set up on the Ayres Hall lawn adjoining Cumberland Avenue. Anyone who enters the demonstration area will have to go through a security checkpoint with metal detectors.

The campus clear bag policy will be in effect in the demonstration area, and several items are prohibited, including handheld signs and banners, firearms or other weapons, liquids or drinks of any kind, masks or face coverings. You can see a complete list of the prohibited items at the end of this story.

MORE: UT student government holds discussion to encourage free speech

Several roads on the Hill will be closed to traffic beginning at midnight Friday, including Circle Drive, Middle Drive, Estabrook Road, and Lower Drive. The 11th Street (G13) Garage and pedestrian bridge will also be closed, UTPD said.

Cars parked on the Hill or in the 11th Street (G13) Parking Garage after 5 a.m. Saturday will be towed, police said.

In a letter to parents of UT students, Vice Chancellor for Student Life Vincent Carilli said "the university urges anyone who will be on campus on Saturday to be mindful of their surroundings and personal safety."

Prohibited items in the "secure demonstration area":

• Firearms, knives, electrical weapons, or chemical sprays

• Liquids or drink containers of any kind, coolers, and food. Only required medical items are permitted.

• Poles, sticks, clubs, flashlights, umbrellas, athletics equipment, or other items that could be considered or used as an improvised weapon

• Masks or face coverings

• Shields or other handheld defensive barriers

• Fireworks, noise makers, or amplified sound device

• Tents, canopies, or chairs

• Drones and remote-controlled devices

• Animals other than ADA-approved service animals

• Any other items that campus police determine may pose a risk to safety

Before You Leave, Check This Out