Jim McElwain condemns hate as white nationalists plan rally at Florida

By Adam Silverstein
August 14, 2017
Jim McElwain condemns hate as white nationalists plan rally at Florida
Football

Image Credit: ESPN Images

Update: Florida president Kent Fuchs has denied the NPI’s request to rent event space on campus. 

Leave it to the Florida Gators head coach to say what the President of the United States would not. Asked Monday whether he was aware of plans for a white nationalist rally that appears scheduled to be held at the University of Florida on Sept. 12, Jim McElwain quickly denounced the concept.

“First and foremost, any extremist group — nationalists, whatever they’re called — is unacceptable,” McElwain said. “It’s just not what we believe in here. And yet, I understand freedom of speech … that’s what really our country is founded on, right? But we obviously do not in any way believe in any of their views. And I think our team understands that.”

McElwain went on to say that “what makes extremists nervous is when they can’t get to you because you’re true to your beliefs.” He referred to the entire situation as “a bad deal” and noted that “peace is really the greatest thing you can do” when it comes to leading people in the right direction.

UF president Dr. Kent Fuchs announced Saturday that the National Policy Institute, which is led by white nationalist Richard Spencer, has reserved space for an event at the university on Sept 12. He promised that Florida is “developing a security plan for the potential event” while “working with colleagues across the country who have had similar events on their campus[es].”

He also condemned the potential event in an extended statement.

“What we’ve watched happen in Charlottesville, Va., in the last 24 hours, is deplorable. I again denounce all statements and symbols of hate. The University of Florida is a community of learners, educators and scholars. We encourage open and honest dialogue, and we strive to build an inclusive environment where hate is not welcome. While this speaker’s views do not align with our values as an institution, we must follow the law, upholding the First Amendment not to discriminate based on content and provide access to a public space. …

“Instead of allowing hateful speech to tear us down, I urge our campus community to join together, respect one another and promote positive speech, while allowing for differing opinions. These types of groups want media attention. I encourage our campus community to send a message of unity by not engaging with this group and giving them more media attention for their message of intolerance and hate.”

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