Auburn University agreed to pay $29,000 in legal fees associated with a lawsuit filed in support of a white nationalist who spoke on campus in April.
School officials had attempted to stop Richard Spencer’s speech from happening, citing public safety and campus security concerns, reports oanow.com.
Spencer, who has said he rejects the label “white supremacist,” supports a white homeland, often quotes Nazi propaganda and has called for “peaceful ethnic cleansing.” His speeches are often met with protests.
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When Auburn cancelled the event, the man who had rented a room on campus, Cameron Padgett, filed a lawsuit against the university.
A federal judge ruled against the university soon thereafter and Spencer’s speech was held on schedule.
Several hundred people attended the speech and three arrests were made outside of the building amidst fighting between supporters and protesters of the event.
In the most recent agreement, the university will pay Padgett’s attorney fees. A federal judge approved the agreement May 12.
School officials said the agreement was made to avoid additional litigation costs.
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