The University of Florida has denied a request by white supremacist Richard Spencer to rent event space on campus.

University President Kent Fuchs said Wednesday in a Facebook post that the decision was made after assessing "potential risks" and law enforcement in light of the deadly violence in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Fuchs said UF is still committed to free speech, but "the First Amendment does not require a public institution to risk imminent violence to students and others."

"Considering the conversations online, and on social media about Florida being the next battle ground and about blood baths. The rhetoric was very strong and made violence seem imminent," University of Florida spokesperson Janine Sikes said.

"I think him just being here would have brought up a lot of negative thoughts and negative actions from people,"  University of Florida student Maria Burte said.

Burte says, as a Hispanic student, Spencer's rhetoric was concerning and she was fearful his presence would arouse violence among supporters and protestors.

"We know what he's known for, we know the type of hate," Burte said. "So, you know, I just think it caused fear in me as a student."  

The Associated Press reported that Georgia resident Cameron Padgett, who was coordinating the event, he would file a legal challenge.

"I signed an agreement and sent it in to the event coordinator," Padgett told AP. "I don't know who's advising them on why they think they can do this."

In Tampa on Tuesday, Gov. Rick Scott said, "We have the First Amendement, but we don't condone violence. My job as governor is to make sure everybody stays safe."

Spencer, who helped propagate the term "alt-right," is leader of the National Policy Institute, a lobbying organization for white supremacists that says it's dedicated to the "heritage, identity and future of people of European descent." The group had wanted to rent space on the Gainesville campus Sept. 12. A recent request from Spencer was canceled at Texas A&M University.

UF had spent days considering the request until Wednesday's denial. Fuchs issued a long statement over the weekend denouncing the group but added that upholding the First Amendment was important.