The University of Utah student group, Young Americans for Freedom, has invited conservative commentator Ben Shapiro to speak on campus on Sept. 27, 2017.

The university is working to provide a safe environment for both those who want to attend Shapiro’s speech as well as those opposed to his appearance at the U.

The U has zero tolerance for violence.

Campus police will be on hand to maintain the peace and the U is working with faculty to relocate classes that may be taking place near the auditorium where Shapiro’s talk is being held. Young Americans for Freedom is creating a ticketing process for those want to attend Shapiro’s speech and will be announcing details soon.

In addition, a contingent from the U is traveling to Berkeley this week to observe how that university manages Shapiro’s appearance there on Sept. 14, 2017.

Here are events currently planned for campus:

• The Student Success Advocates are hosting a free event on “Creating Space for Justice and Kindness” to encourage conversation and support, Sept. 21, 2017, from 4-6 p.m., Union East Ballroom.
• An overview of campus conduct codes and speech policies, hosted by the Office of the Dean of Students and Office of General Counsel, Sept. 22, 2017, 12:45 p.m.-2 p.m., Union Theatre, for students and student organization representatives.
• Free Speech at What Cost? Sept. 25, 2017, from 12-1 p.m., Pizza & Politics Forum sponsored by the Hinckley Institute and the Bennion Center.
• “Unpacking & Reflecting on Free Speech,” Shared Dialogue Space, Sept. 27, 2017, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and Sept. 28, 2017, Noon-2 p.m., Student Equity & Diversity Meeting Room (rear Student Lounge), Union Building, sponsored by the University Counseling Center.
• Ben Shapiro speech, sponsored by Young Americans for Freedom, Sept. 27, 2017, in S BEH auditorium. Doors open at 6 p.m., with lecture beginning promptly at 7 p.m. Admission is free but seats are limited. Contact Young Americans for Freedom for ticketing information.
• Reading and spoken word performance, “Sociology and U: Performance Art on Race, Class and Gender,” to benefit the Sociology Community Scholarship Fund, presented by the Department of Sociology and the College of Social and Behavioral Science, Sept. 27, 2017, 5:30 p.m., Salt Lake Acting Company, 168 W. 500 North.
• Counter-protest to Ben Shapiro at the U, Presidents Circle, Sept. 27, 2017, from 5-7 p.m. Sponsored by Black Lives Matter — Utah, Students for a Democratic Society and United Front (Civil Rights) Organization.
• Appearance by Jade Phoenix, Los Angeles-based performance poet and activist/educator, sponsored by the College of Social Work, Sept. 27, 2017, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., CTIHB, Room 109. Admission is free but seats are limited.
• “Kickback,” an opportunity to converse and relax, Oct. 3, 2017, 7-9 p.m., Student Equity & Diversity Meeting Room (rear Student Lounge), Union Building, sponsored by the Black Student Union.

The University of Utah is committed to continuing this dialogue throughout the year with a variety of events, lectures, programming, etc.