Controversial speaker coming to Stanford

PALO ALTO, Calif. (KGO) -- Robert Spencer is coming to Stanford.

The author and Director of Jihad Watch was invited by Stanford College Republicans, and the news was met by an outcry of opposition.

In an open letter to The Stanford Daily, Spencer is referred to as an anti-Muslim propagandist and Islamophobe. Some two dozen student groups signed the letter to express their opposition to Spencer's appearance on campus. They're calling for a boycott.

Stanford student Caleb Smith started a petition, not in opposition to Spencer speaking on campus, rather he's against student fees being spent on the event. About 900 undergrads have signed the petition.

The College Republicans have not responded to a request for an interview.

But, in a statement to The Stanford Review, the group said, "We have invited Robert Spencer to campus to add a sorely needed perspective to an important conversation about international security."

The statement goes on to they hope it ignites a spirited discussion.

Spencer's speech is scheduled for Tuesday, November 14 at 8:15 p.m.