Richard Spencer, president of the National Policy Institute and white nationalist, was denied a request to rent a space to speak at UNC-Chapel Hill, Chancellor Carol Folt said in a statement released Wednesday. 

“Because of serious concerns about campus safety, I have declined a request from the National Policy Institute to rent space for Richard Spencer to speak on campus,” Folt said.

The denial comes just two weeks after protests and a domestic terrorist attack in Charlottesville, Virginia, stemming from a rally opposing the removal of a statue of Robert E. Lee in Emancipation Park. 

The National Policy Institute considers itself “an independent organization dedicated to the heritage, identity and future of people of European descent in the United States, and around the world.” 

Spencer has rejected the claim of being classified as a white supremacist, and has instead called for “a new society, an ethno-state that would be a gathering point for all Europeans.”

Spencer has also advocated for a “peaceful ethnic cleansing.” 

Folt said that the decision follows consultation with local law enforcement and UNC Police about the public safety of Spencer’s proposed appearance on campus.

“I am deeply saddened and disturbed that the violent and virulent rhetoric being espoused by extremist groups has jeopardized the ability of campuses to promote robust dialogue and debate about important issues while ensuring public safety,” Folt said.