The Latest: ACLU: Coulter cancellation threatens free speech

BERKELEY, Calif. — The Latest on Ann Coulter’s canceled appearance at UC Berkeley (all times local):

8:20 a.m.

The American Civil Liberties Union’s national legal director says “unacceptable threats of violence” that led to the cancellation of Ann Coulter’s speech at the University of California, Berkeley are inconsistent with free speech principles that protect people from government overreach.

David Cole says hateful speech has consequences especially for people of color, LGBTQ people, immigrants and others who have been historically marginalized.

But Cole said late Wednesday the government cannot define threats to free speech because that could result in censorship.

Though Coulter’s speech at UC Berkeley was canceled, far-right supporters were planning rallies Thursday to denounce what they claim is an attempt to silence their conservative views.

Police are preparing for violent outbreaks between militant factions on both sides. ___

7:05 a.m.

Ann Coulter’s speech at University of California, Berkeley, has been canceled, but far-right supporters plan to hold a rally Thursday to denounce what they claim is an attempt to silence their conservative views.

KCBS reports (http://cbsloc.al/2qiK5yi ) that university police are preparing for violent outbreaks between militant factions on both sides. The speech was canceled over fears of violence.

Gavin McInnes, founder of the pro-Trump “Proud Boys,” says he will speak at 2 p.m. at Berkeley’s Civic Center Park and is encouraging other altright groups to make a large showing at the gathering.

Coulter says that despite the cancellation of her speech, she might at some point still “swing by to say hello” to her supporters.

Police and university officials say they are bracing for possible trouble, citing intelligence and online chatter by groups threatening to instigate violence.

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12:02 a.m. Conservative pundit Ann Coulter says that while her speech at the University of California, Berkeley was canceled, she may still show up to say hello to her supporters.

Police and university officials say they’re bracing for trouble Thursday whether or not she decides to show.

They say intelligence and online chatter by groups threatening to instigate violence over the acid-tongued Coulter has them on edge.

Coulter said in an email to The Associated Press that she might stroll across campus to greet supporters and “stroll around the graveyard of the First Amendment.”

University officials canceled the speech for fear violence would break out. They offered the college Republicans, who had invited Coulter, a different date and venue for the speech, but were turned down.