UF President Kent Fuchs denied the request for Richard Spencer, white nationalist, to speak at the university.

"This decision was made after assessing potential risks with campus, community, state and federal law enforcement officials following violent clashes in Charlottesville, Va., and continued calls online and in social media for similar violence in Gainesville such as those decreeing: 'The Next Battlefield is in Florida,'" said Kent Fuchs.

This comes a few days after the Charlottesville, VA riots surrounding the white nationalist movement "alt-right." Soon after, Fuchs announced the request made for Spencer to speak on campus.

When the announcement was made, Fuchs said the university was required to consider every speaker due to free speech policies.

Wednesday, Fuchs released a statement saying, "I find the racist rhetoric of Richard Spencer and white nationalism repugnant and counter to everything the university and this nation stands for."

He went on to write that "the First Amendment does not require a public institution to risk imminent violence to students and others."

For safety reasons, the university will not allow Spencer to speak. Fuchs wrote, "The likelihood of violence and potential injury - not the words or ideas - has caused us to take this action."

Spencer's supporter Cameron Padgett has made statements that he is planning to sue UF. He sued Auburn back in April, and it cost the university $30,000. The courts ruled in his favor, but that was before the riots in Charlottesville.

Mayor Lauren Poe said he stands behind President Fuchs' decision. He said, "It's clear to me that what Mr. Spencer represents is not free speech, it's purposely trying to incite violence."

The university and city is preparing law enforcement for a rally in case they lose a lawsuit. "Should they challenge us in court, UF will vigorously defend our position," said UF Spokesperson Janine Sikes.