Kent State University has denied a request from the tour organizer of white nationalist Richard Spencer requesting space for him to speak on campus on May 4.
In a written statement, KSU spokesman Eric Mansfield did not explicitly cite Spencer's views as the reason for the denial, saying the university "values respectful dialogue from all points of view, including ideology that is controversial or offensive."
Mansfield did note, however, that the period between Apr. 30 to May 12 is "an exceptionally busy time on our campus, with numerous activities marking the end of our academic year."
"I feel like it is doing the right thing,” AJ Hietanen, senior, said. “I'm not sure they're doing it for the right reasons."
May 4 is also the anniversary of the infamous Kent State shooting, in which National Guardsman shot and killed four students during a protest against President Nixon's bombing of Cambodia.
Spencer would not have spoken at any official remembrance events, but instead on his own accord at the university's multicultural center. His presence was expected to draw a great deal of backlash: Spencer has advocated for "peaceful ethnic cleansing" and once refused to outright condemn Adolf Hitler.
It's the reason why some students said it's best if he doesn't show up.
"It was almost came to me off as a joke, that you would come here on a day that is so emotional for us and then bring this kind of baggage with you,” Rue Monroe, sophomore, said.
"He won't be coming that day," Jordan, sophomore and activist, said. "He might be coming sooner, he might be coming later so really I see it as the calm before the storm."