TEXAS A&M PREPARES FOR RICHARD SPENCER TO SPEAK ON CAMPUS

  

Texas A&M University officials say they are preparing for protests as a controversial white nationalist is scheduled to speak on the campus today (Tuesday).

Richard Spencer, who is now famous for giving a speech in which audience members can be seen giving the Nazi salute, will speak after he was invited to the campus by a former student. Spencer leads a group called the National Policy Institute and is a leader of a movement seen as a mix of white nationalism, populism, and racism.

Texas A&M Senior Vice President Amy Smith has said in a statement that the school "finds (Spencer's) views as expressed to date in direct conflict with our core values." However since the school is a public university, the event can go on as scheduled.

Protests have been planned on campus and a university-sponsored event to counter Spencer’s appearance has been scheduled. The Aggies United event will take place at Kyle Field and will overlap with Spencer's speech at the nearby Memorial Student Center. Aggies United will feature speakers Hill Harper, journalist Roland Martin, and Holocaust survivor Max Glauben, among others.

Texas A&M University officials and police say they have been working on a security plan to keep everyone safe during the events.