UVA bans Richard Spencer and others from campus

The University of Virginia placed a four-year ban Friday on Richard Spencer and nine other people involved in a 2017 white supremacist march on campus.

{mosads} Spencer, a white nationalist leader, led the march of about 200 protestors on UVA’s campus one day before the Aug. 12 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, which resulted in the killing of counterprotester Heather Heyer.

During the rally, Spencer and his group surrounded anti-racist protesters. In a written statement after the event, Spencer said that he and his group “wouldn’t let [them] out.”

UVA’s yearlong investigation found evidence that “these 10 individuals engaged in conduct that directly threatened the health and safety of the community members and people on University property.”

University President Jim Ryan thanked law enforcement for their help, and explained that the ban was consistent with UVA’s policy.

“I am grateful for the diligent efforts of law enforcement during the course of this investigation,” he said.

“The trespass warnings issued today reflect our commitment to ensuring the safety of our community while upholding the principles of freedom of speech and assembly.”

Assistant Vice President and Chief of Police Tommye Sutton explained that Spencer’s groups had gone beyond their right to free speech.

“We have drawn a distinction between free speech and conduct that is aimed to intimidate others and promote violence,” he said. “Such conduct and intimidation will not be tolerated.”

Friday’s ban comes after four of the ten organizers were arrested on charges of conspiring to start a riot Wednesday.

Richard Spencer did not immediately respond to The Hill’s request for comment.