To our mini-term students:
Earlier today, you received a message about someone renting space on campus at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, at Alumni Memorial Building to hold an event entitled, “White Nationalism: Fact or Fiction.” Hate and bigotry should have no place on Rocky Top. We are sorry this is happening on our campus and want to make sure you have information about resources available to you.
Your safety and well-being are very important to us. No classes are being held during the time of the event. Please consider avoiding the area around Alumni Memorial Building Tuesday evening. Student Life staff members will be in the Stokely Hall multipurpose room from 5–8 p.m. Tuesday evening to offer space for support and reflection.
If you are in distress, please call 974-HELP. Calls are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help students.
Please consider downloading UT’s LiveSafe app, if you haven’t already. It provides instant access to 911 or UTPD, allows users to report suspicious behavior, and allows you to use your phone contacts to invite friends and family to walk or drive with you virtually.
I want to reiterate that this speaker is not being sponsored or hosted by any university-affiliated organization. We have received a number of very good questions about how and why we are allowing this event to occur on our campus. UT has a building use policy that allows non-affiliated people or organizations—including churches, civic groups, educational groups, and other organizations and businesses—to rent space on campus. Under state and federal law, UT cannot base its decisions about who can rent facilities based on viewpoint.
We are strengthened in our resolve to pursue our aspirations of a campus free of hate, prejudice, and bigotry for all Vols.
Sincerely,
Wayne T. Davis
Interim Chancellor