Ohio State won’t rent speaking venue for white nationalist

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State University has denied a request for a group to rent campus space for white nationalist Richard Spencer to give a speech next month.

The Columbus Dispatch reports the school says there would be “substantial risk to public safety” if it accommodated the request from the National Policy Institute, led by Spencer.

Several other campuses have rejected requests involving Spencer, citing safety concerns and August violence at a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. A supporter of Spencer’s is suing Michigan State University over one refused venue rental, alleging a violation of free speech rights.

At Ohio State, Spencer’s group had requested “a lot of security,” noting that his events elsewhere have drawn protesters. The request indicated that Spencer’s personal security detail would work with local police.

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Information from: The Columbus Dispatch, http://www.dispatch.com