CINCINNATI -- The University of Cincinnati board of trustees has condemned hate while defending a decision to allow white nationalist Richard Spencer to speak on campus.
The board’s statement Tuesday recognizes the fundamental role of free speech at a public university, saying it should be “the marketplace of ideas.” The board also denounced prejudice and racism, saying, “Hate has no place on our campus or in our world.”
"To be clear, Richard Spencer was not invited to speak by anyone at the University of Cincinnati," said UC President Neville Pinto. "This request to speak is provoking fear and unease for our community, especially those who are direct targets of his hate, prejudice and racism."
UC recently informed Spencer's associates that they could rent space for an appearance. No date has been set.
Ohio State University declined, drawing a federal lawsuit Sunday filed by Michigan attorney Kyle Bristow. An attorney for Ohio State stated in a letter that while the school “values freedom of speech,” a Spencer appearance would represent a “substantial risk to public safety.”
