JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Protesters gathered near the University of North Florida building Monday where a conduct hearing was to be held for a self-proclaimed white supremacist student who was suspended last week for making a social media post described by the Jacksonville university officials as 'threatening."
Demonstrators with Students for a Democratic Society shouted chants including, "No Nazis, no KKK, no fascist USA."
According to the university, there were four people who showed up in support for Ken Parker, 37, the student who was suspended after posting what the UNF's president called a "threatening message and a disturbing image" on social media.
Parker was escorted to and from the hearing by campus police, who prepared for possible rallies by those supporting and condemning him. News 6 Jacksonville partner WJXT aerials showed several UNF campus police and about 50 Jacksonville Sheriff's Office cruisers placed around the building.
A Facebook post urged people to rally in support of Parker at 8:30 a.m., just before Parker was to appear at the hearing, but far more people condemning Parker's actions turned out.
"The greatest part of what it is to be an American is our diversity," protestor Mark Ari said. "Our welcoming of others -- not just tolerating of others, but the empathetic understanding of others. And to stand against the people who would tear down that really terrific creed."
UNF President John Delaney had the hearing moved to the Alumni Center, taking any possible confrontation away from the core of campus. There was no violence and no injuries.
"The University Police Department did a terrific job in coordinating with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in a display of police presence, including police patrols in the core of campus," Delaney said. "I would like to thank both departments for their professionalism."
Delaney said Parker appealed his suspension at the hearing, which lasted a little more than an hour, and he will be notified either late Monday or Tuesday of the university's decision.
Olivia Perryman, a freshman from West Palm Beach, is among those who became concerned when she heard a white supremacist protest may happen Monday.
"I did hear that, and I’m kind of scared a little bit," Perryman said. "I’m trying to figure out how I can get around campus and not be frightened."
Rabbi Shmuli Novack, with Chabad at UNF, issued a statement Sunday, saying the organization has been counseling students and addressing concerns of worried families and friends.
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“We cannot sit idly by as banners of hate waved by the murderers of millions of Jews (are) raised in our midst,” Novack said. "We are grateful to President Delaney and the UPD for taking necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of all students. UNF continues to be welcoming of and an excellent choice for Jewish students.”
News4Jax first encountered Parker in 2015 when he, as a grand dragon of the Ku Klux Klan, was distributing flyers in neighborhoods. Although he claimed others were in his group, he was the only one seen.
Early last week, Parker posted a photo of himself holding a gun on social media and made controversial comments on the Facebook page of the UNF campus publication, Spinnaker.
The university is investigating the posts as an act of racism.
UNF does have a diverse enrollment. This year, the student body is 10 percent black and 11 percent Hispanic. By comparison, the University of Florida's black enrollment is 8 percent and Hispanic students represent 18 percent of its student body.
News4Jax crime and safety analyst Gil Smith questions whether Parker has many supporters.
"It’s hard to determine right now because we keep seeing the same person, (with) one or two people involved," Smith said. "It gives the appearance that it is a very small organization, but it’s hard to tell how much recruitment is going on."
University officials say they hope the protest will stay small.