Penn State is declining Richard Spencer, president of the National Policy Institute, the request to speak at University Park this fall.

Penn State President Eric Barron believes that Spencer’s views will face withering criticism as they oppose University values.

This makes Spencer’s content essentially unwelcome, only because Penn State fears a risk of imminent violence if he speaks publicly.

While Penn State encourages the free exchange of ideas, a critical assessment by campus police in co-ordinance with state and federal law officials determined that Spencer will create a major security risk to students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  

Barron said the university continues to strive for an all-inclusive atmosphere of safety and mutual respect, driving the decision that Spencer will likely cause disruption through hatred, bigotry, and racism.