The Forum: Free Speech

As difficult conversations become ever more important, Alabama Public Radio is proud to present The Forum. This four part series allows college students to come together to discuss the difficult topics they care most about.

Today's episode is about Confederate Monuments. Watch below:

A student group at the University of Alabama won’t be hosting a speech from a prominent white nationalist this week after all.

The group Students for America First had invited Jared Taylor to speak on campus on Thursday. Taylor is the editor of the website “American Renaissance” and planned to give a talk entitled “Diversity: Is It Good for America?”

However, university officials moved to cancel the event yesterday, saying Students for America First didn’t meet the requirements for a registered student organization.

A judge has overturned an Alabama state law preventing the removal of Confederate monuments from public property.

A ruling issued yesterday by Jefferson County Circuit Judge Michael Graffeo says a 2017 state law barring the removal or alteration of historical monuments violates the free speech rights of local communities.

Graffeo says the law cannot be enforced, but the state of Alabama could still appeal. Attorney General Steve Marshall’s office had no immediate response to an Associated Press email seeking comment.