Key Points:
- Salisbury University has postponed an event which features Jared Taylor, organized by the Maryland Federation of College Republicans.
- Taylor is the founder of American Renaissance, a platform known for advocating controversial racial viewpoints.
- The university made it clear that it does not support Taylor’s beliefs but emphasizes its commitment to free speech.
- Concerns regarding increased expected attendance and potential counter-protests contributed to the decision to postpone the event for safety reasons.
Salisbury University has decided to postpone a Maryland Federation of College Republicans event featuring the controversial speaker Jared Taylor, which was initially set for March 9, 2026.
Jared Taylor is known for operating the website American Renaissance, a platform that promotes what it describes as “white advocacy” alongside other contentious racial perspectives.
According to the organization’s website, its position on “white advocacy” is that, “We believe that whites, much like all racial groups, possess legitimate interests that warrant protection. Advocating for these interests is what we refer to as white advocacy. We strive to promote those interests that we recognize as deserving support for all other racial communities. Our aim is not to seek special advantages as whites; rather, we simply seek acknowledgment of our cultural preferences that others receive by default, but are often denied to us.”
The site also includes a section on Race and IQ, which posits that genetic factors explain disparities in average intelligence levels among different races.
Decision by Salisbury University
In its official communication, Salisbury University clarified that the Maryland Federation of College Republicans is not affiliated with the university. Here is an excerpt from the university’s statement:
“The MDFCR is not an SU organization, and this event was organized by them as an outside body renting our campus facilities. Salisbury University does not discriminate against events being held by third-party organizations that meet our financial and legal criteria for venue rental; however, the safety and security of our university community is our utmost priority.”
“Salisbury University does not endorse, sponsor, or back the views held by Mr. Taylor or the event that is being presented. Mr. Taylor is widely recognized for his extremist views, which starkly oppose the university’s fundamental values of respect, equity, and inclusion. Nevertheless, as a public institution, SU must uphold the constitutional principles surrounding free speech and expression, even when such beliefs contradict our community’s values.”
“Since the announcement of the event three days ago, there has been a significant increase in the forecasted attendance, counter-protests, and corresponding security requirements. Ensuring the safety of everyone involved, along with our broader campus community, necessitates additional planning and public safety arrangements that cannot be fulfilled on short notice by the university.”
“SU remains dedicated to creating an environment conducive to open dialogue and the exchange of ideas. We respect the rights of individuals to express their opinions. However, the safety of our campus community is a top priority.”
Reactions from the Community
Jared Schablein, chair and founder of Shore Progressive, expressed his disapproval of Taylor’s planned speech on Facebook, stating, “What makes this particularly troubling is the location of the event. It is set to occur in one of Salisbury’s most diverse areas, populated by large Black, Jewish, Hindu, Haitian, and other diverse communities that enrich our society.”
“Every aspect of this event is contrary to the values that embody our community and define us as a people.”
Joe Venosa, an associate professor of history at Salisbury University and an independent candidate for the District 7 seat on the Wicomico County Council, also voiced his concerns on Facebook:
“As a proud educator at Salisbury University who teaches and conducts research on various historical topics, I believe that the type of bigoted rhetoric from Jared Taylor does not benefit our community at all. While his freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, the broader implications of such views do not contribute positively to our Wicomico community in any moral regard.”
Reported by Keith Demko, Salisbury Daily Times / USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.
