OSU Says No To Spencer

Ohio State University has denied a request to rent space for an appearance by white nationalist Richard Spencer, citing risks to public safety. An attorney representing the university says in a letter sent Friday the university consulted with law enforcement and considered Spencer's appearance at the University of Florida earlier in the week before deciding to turn down the request. Spencer's Florida speech drew protesters and was marked by skirmishes. A lawyer on behalf of Spencer's associates says he plans to follow through on a threat to file a lawsuit against Ohio State. The University of Cincinnati had faced a similar threat but decided last week to allow Spencer to hold an event there. The Ohio universities are the latest targeted for appearances by Spencer since he participated in an August white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, that led to deadly violence.