In the 1970s, William Ayers co-founded Weather Underground, a group responsible for placing bombs in the Pentagon and the US Capitol.

The Chicago-Sun Times reports that charges were later dropped, and today Ayers is an expert on education reform.

John Marvel, Co-Director of FSU's Institute for Liberal Studies says, "He was awarded Chicago's Citizen of the Year 1997 for his work with the Chicago Public Schools."

FSU's Institute for Liberal Studies invited Ayers to speak about inequality in education, but this is being met with controversy.

On the Internet, many are opposing his visit.

More than 30 people have signed a petition on a blog to keep Ayers away.

"There has been a little protest but that's from a very small vocal minority," Marvel says.

Most students want people to keep an open mind.

FSU Freshman Faith Doyle says, "I feel like having William Ayers here will just be really good for discussion."

"We talk about the first amendment, we talk about freedom of speech," says FSU Senior Eddy Bouza.

FSU Freshman Chase Bentley says, "I don't support his beliefs but if you don't want to hear him talk then you shouldn't come to FSU and listen to him."

The institute for liberal studies paid $5,000 for his visit.

Officials say the money came from the student government, and the university administration had nothing to do with the decision.

Organizers will not allow signs at the event, and if anyone boos, they'll be escorted out.

Ayers will speak in the University Ballroom on January 12th at 7:30 p.m.