‘White advocacy’ speaker appearance rescheduled at Salisbury University

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A Maryland Federation of College Republicans event at Salisbury University with controversial speaker Jared Taylor, originally scheduled for March 9 but delayed, has now been rescheduled for April 29.

According to a MCFR flier, Taylor’s appearance is now set for 7:30 p.m. April 29 in Devilbiss Hall, Room 123.

Here’s what to know about the upcoming event, more on who Jared Taylor is, and why Salisbury University chose to delay his originally scheduled appearance.

Who is Jared Taylor?

Taylor runs the website American Renaissance, which among its many views is a push for “white advocacy.”

The group’s “white advocacy” position is spelled out on its website: “We also believe that whites, like all racial groups, have legitimate interests that must be defended. The defense of those interests is white advocacy. We seek to advance only those interests that we recognize and would defend for all other racial groups. We seek no advantages as whites — only the expression of preferences for our own people and culture that are taken for granted by people of other races but denied to us.”

In a subsection on race and IQ, the website states a belief that genes explain differences in average intelligence among races.

Salisbury University’s statement on postponement

In its official statement after the postponement of Taylor’s appearance set for March, Salisbury University made clear the Maryland Federation of College Republicans is not “an SU organization.” Here is the university’s official statement from that time:

“The MDFCR is not an SU organization, and the event was scheduled by the group as an outside entity renting space on campus. SU does not discriminate against activities hosted by third-party organizations meeting the financial and legal requirements for reserving campus space; however, the safety and security of the University community remains our highest priority.

“Salisbury University does not endorse, sponsor or support the views of Mr. Taylor or the event being organized. Mr. Taylor is widely known for extremist rhetoric that is fundamentally inconsistent with the University’s core values of respect, equity and inclusion. However, as a public institution, SU must uphold the constitutional principles of free speech and expression, even when those viewpoints conflict with our community values.

“Since the event was announced three days ago, the level of anticipated attendance, counter-demonstrations and related security needs has increased significantly, particularly in the past 24 hours. Ensuring the safety of all involved, as well as our greater campus community, requires additional planning and public safety resources that the University is unable to provide on such short notice.

“SU remains committed to fostering an environment where open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas can occur, and we respect the rights of individuals to share their opinions. However, the safety of our campus community must take precedence at all times.”

Reporting by Keith Demko, Salisbury Daily Times / USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.