Natalie Allison, Tennessean, December 3, 2019

A federal judge has ordered the state of Tennessee to pay more than $46,000 in legal fees to a white nationalist group that uses state park facilities for an annual conference.

Judge Aleta Trauger on Tuesday issued a ruling in federal court that the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation must pay New Century Foundation $46,370.30 in attorney’s fees.

The organization, which is more commonly known as American Renaissance, had originally requested around $56,000 in legal fees from the state, though only a portion of their reported costs were approved by Trauger for reimbursement.

Jared Taylor, founder of the white nationalist group, filed suit in September 2018 against Michael Robertson, director of TDEC’s state park operations. Taylor alleged the state imposed an “unconstitutional security fee” to ensure public safety and to cover damage caused to park facilities during the event.

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