Security is high at the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, where a white nationalist’s speaking engagement is scheduled for this evening.

Rick Tyler, a Polk County member of the American Freedom Party seeking the presidency in 2020, has rented space in Alumni Memorial Building for his “White Nationalism: Fact or Fiction” event.

Tyler grabbed the national spotlight in 2016 with his “Make America White Again” billboards during his House of Representatives election bid. A flyer promoting his presentation claims the address will “shatter enduring myths that proliferate in contemporary America.”

In a bid to distance itself from Tyler, the university stressed Tyler is not associated with any campus organization and was not invited to speak on the campus. Federal law prohibits the university from prohibiting people and organizations from renting its facilities based on viewpoints or opinions.

U.T. interim Chancellor Wayne Davis emphasized the university opposes white nationalism, but he supports free speech. “White nationalism is contrary to our values as a university,” he said. “Racism, antisemitism and bigotry should have no place on Rocky Top. …We aspire to create an environment free of hate, prejudice and bigotry. No one renting space on our campus will stop us from pursuing that aspiration.”

U.T. police are ramping up security in advance of the event. No classes will be held during the scheduled time of the event, and Alumni Memorial Building is closed all day, and essential personnel needing access to the Hesler Biology and Nielsen Physics buildings after 2 p.m. local time will have to contact the U.T. Police Department.

Additionally, Middle Drive and Circle Drive will be closed to traffic as of 4 p.m. and Staff Lot 9 will close to incoming traffic at that time.

Also, a demonstration area is being staged on the Gate 21 Plaza. The campus clear-bag policy will be in effect there.