Kent State Denies Richard Spencer's Speaking Request

KENT, OH — Kent State University has denied white nationalist Richard Spencer's request to speak at the school on the anniversary of the May 4 Vietnam protest shootings. Spencer is in the process of suing colleges across the country for denying him space to speak.

Each year, Kent State holds events commemorating the 1970 killing of four students by the National Guard during a Vietnam War protest. The college said it cannot accept Spencer's request because the first two weeks of May are too busy with the end of the academic year.

"Kent State values respectful dialogue from all points of view, including ideology that is controversial or offensive," the university told the Associated Press.

Spencer and his tour organizer have sued schools like The Ohio State, University of Cincinnati, Michigan State and Penn State for denying him space to speak. Michigan State settled its lawsuit by agreeing to let Spencer appear in March.

“This agreement was based on the university’s requirement that the event occur on a date and at a venue that minimizes the risk of violence or disruption to campus. The security of our campus community remains our top priority and all appropriate security measures will be taken in connection with the event,” Michigan State's President Lou Anna Simon said in a statement to the Centre Daily Times.

Simon went on to say that the university disagreed with Spencer's "divisive and racist" rhetoric.

Several of the colleges have cited safety concerns when denying Spencer's request. There some minor altercations when Spencer spoke at the University of Florida. Three of his supporters were arrested for attempted murder after an off-campus shooting later that night, according to the Associated Press.

Approximately $600,000 was spent on security for the Florida speech.

Spencer has popularized the term "alt-right" to refer to a fringe movement of white nationalists. He helped organize a rally in Charlottesville, Virginia that resulted in the death of a woman protesting the white nationalist agenda.

Richard Spencer, a leader in the "alt-right" that mixes racism, white nationalism and populism. Image by David J. Phillip/Associated Press