White supremacist protest planned at UNF to support suspended Nazi student

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — White nationalists plan to rally at the University of North Florida Monday in support of a student who posted a picture of himself holding an assault rifle and sporting a swastika tattoo.

Action News Jax first told you on Tuesday about Ken Parker, a UNF student who was suspended for allegedly threatening students.

Students plan to meet 8:15 a.m. Monday outside Founder’s Hall to peacefully protest against Nazis on campus.

It's part of the growing racial tension UNF students said they're dealing with on campus.

"These ideologies are not something that deserves a place on a college campus," student Ryan McClure said.

Parker, a self-proclaimed Nazi, is appealing UNF's decision to suspend him after posting a photo of himself holding an assault rifle on social media.

"I'm just going to go on letting everybody know that I didn't threaten anybody," Parker said.

White nationalists are lending him their support. Parker said his fiancé is planning a rally with the group on campus Monday morning in support of him.

"I'm honored that the white nationalists are standing on my behalf," Parker said.

Action News Jax reached out to the university after learning about the rally. We were told they are aware of it and are finalizing plans.

Some UNF students are also planning on attending the counterprotest the same morning.

"It's going to be early in the morning, but we are hoping to outnumber them at least five to one," McClure said.

Parker is claiming his picture is freedom of speech, but McClure said it's a threat that he hopes the university's president takes seriously.

"I think he has the potential to be dangerous and I think it's a serious threat we have to deal with," McClure said.

Parker said he has a plan if he isn't allowed to come back to school.

"(UNF President) John Delaney better think twice, he might have a big lawsuit coming his way," Parker said.

Action News Jax reached out to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to see if they will be on campus, but haven't heard back yet.

Both rallies on Monday plan on being peaceful.

Cox Media Group