GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida Governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency ahead of Thursday's speech by white nationalist Richard Spencer at the University of Florida.
Previous speeches by Spencer on university campuses have sparked protests, and officials are worried things could turn violent in Gainesville.
Students at the University of Florida have been voicing their opinions on Spencer's upcoming speech during a sit-in Wednesday, and they called for the school to cancel classes Thursday.
"We have to make it clear, this is a crisis of ideology," said one student.
One by one, students addressed UF's student government about Thursday's rally. "It is your duty as senators to protect the students of this university, their mental and physical health."
Many were concerned for their safety, peace-of-mind and ability to protest Richard Spencer's rally. "I urge each and every one of you to stand up with me and give our students the choice they deserve."
Many professors have already canceled class, and university leaders have told students to talk to their professors if they don't feel safe going. "They know it's a possibility that violence could be used against them."
But students say it's not enough.
"It's not completely feasible for all students. People have lab, people have band practice, they have classes that take attendance."
SGA members took an informal vote to cancel class.
"This is certainly something that will be remembered in the next election, because people do not forget white supremacists coming to campus," said one student.
The result was unanimous; every senator and member agreed classes shouldn't be held Thursday.
While many students and student leaders agree classes should be canceled, university leaders are still the ones who have to be convinced to make the call.
The school will spend an estimated $600,000 on security for Spencer's speech.
