Auburn University canceled the planned speech by white supremacist Richard Spencer citing safety concerns for 
its students.

“In consultation with law enforcement, Auburn canceled the Richard Spencer event scheduled for Tuesday evening based on 
legitimate concerns and credible evidence that it will jeopardize the safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors,” the university said in a statement on Friday.

The university told AL.com that Spencer was neither invited nor sponsored by a 
campus group. Rather, he paid to use a 
meeting space plus security costs on his own.

The speech stirred controversy since Spencer’s announcement of it last week. 
Free-speech activists defended his right to speak at a public university, while others feared the ramifications of his white 
supremacist viewpoint. Many Auburn 
students and alumni urged the university to cancel the event, going so far as to 
hold protests.

Despite the controversy, Spencer’s speech sold out as of Friday morning.

“My appearance at Auburn is going to sellout,” Spencer tweeted last week. “Perhaps we should overbook and then forcibly remove patrons. What could go wrong?”