Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Rejected By Ohio State, Richard Spencer Looks To Speak At University Of Cincinnati

YouTube

After his request to speak at The Ohio State University was rejected, white nationalist Richard Spencer made a similar proposal to the University of Cincinnati.

According to WCPO-TV, a University of Cincinnati spokesman said Thursday the school was "assessing various safety and logistical considerations" in response to Spencer's request.

Ohio State earlier this month cited safety concerns when it rejected a bid by Spencer's National Policy Institute to hold an event on its Columbus campus. In their request for space, which was acquired by WOSU, organizers said they expected hundreds of attendees and dozens of protesters.

Their proposed event at Ohio State would include a speech from Spencer, questions from the audience, and a possible debate with a professor. 

"After thoroughly assessing space options and resources and after consulting with law enforcement officials, the university determined that it is not possible to accommodate this request without substantial risk to public safety," Ohio State officials wrote in a message to the institute.

Spencer's national university speaking tour kicked off after he helped organize the "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Va, in August. That rally resulted in violence and the death of a woman protesting against the white nationalist agenda.

Ohio State isn't the only school that rejected Spencer. His requests to hold events were also denied at the University of Florida, Texas A&M and Michigan State University - the last of which he sued.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright 2017 WOSU 89.7 NPR News

Gabe Rosenberg