With the protests and stunts of the past few Accent-sponsored speeches fresh in mind, UF officials are readying security for Dr. Jack Kevorkian's speech tonight at the O'Connell Center.
Lt. Stacy Ettel of the University Police Department, who is involved in the event's security, said UPD doesn't expect anything unusual to occur at the controversial appearance.
"We understand our responsibility at the event, and we work it as we would any other event," Ettel said.
Security will include officers inside and outside the venue and metal detectors at the door, which UPD has used many times before, he said.
Kevorkian was originally scheduled to speak at UF on Oct. 11, but his appearance was postponed following the Sept. 17 Tasering incident at a Sen. John Kerry forum.
That wasn't the last UF speech to be disrupted.
Student protesters climbed on stage during former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' speech in November. Ettel said he was sure no one would be able to climb on stage tonight.
Accent, Student Government's speakers bureau, paid Kevorkian ,50,000 for his speech.
Steven Blank, Accent chairman, said it's hard to predict what protesters might do at a speech.
Accent has been working with UPD, UF administrators and O'Connell Center officials to make sure nothing gets out of hand, Blank said.
"We're trying to provide a safe environment for the free exchange of ideas, so of course we're taking security very seriously," he said.
Despite the clashing views on Kevorkian's visit, Blank said he isn't worried about the backlash.
Accent has brought other controversial figures to UF in the past, including Ann Coulter and Michael Moore, he said.
"It's not something we haven't done before," Blank said. Getting Kevorkian, dubbed "Dr. Death," to come to UF didn't prove to be a challenge for Accent. Kevorkian was excited by the opportunity to speak at such a large and prestigious university, Blank said.
"All you have to do is ask," he added.
Kevorkian was sentenced to 10 to 25 years in prison in 1999 after he assisted at least 130 suicides.
The retired specialist in disease diagnosis was released on parole in June after eight years behind bars.
Kevorkian also spoke at Wayne State University in Michigan on Nov. 29, but only about 300 people attended. This will be Kevorkian's first major public appearance since his release from prison, Blank said.
According to his contract, a film crew is following Kevorkian to make a documentary. Scrawled on the contract's margin, he asked that UF allow the crew entrance behind the scenes. Although the event is free, tickets are required for entry and are available at the University Box Office in the Reitz Union.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for students with Gator 1 cards and 7 p.m. for the general public. The speech starts at 8 p.m.
Blank said Accent is anticipating a sold-out show.
For the past few days, the line outside the box office has stretched nearly the length of the Reitz Union Colonnade. Box office officials would not disclose how many tickets have already been distributed.
"Tickets have been flying, flying, flying," Blank said.
