The outskirts of Michigan State University’s campus were flooded with protesters Monday. Police estimate more than 150 people showed up to demonstrate against white supremacist Richard Spencer. Some say they were there because they wanted to show up against fascism.
MSU originally denied Spencer’s request to speak on campus. As a compromise, after Spencer filed a lawsuit, the school agreed to rent him a livestock pavilion. The university is currently on spring break.
Olivia Franklin is a senior at MSU. She says she wants people to recognize how serious the issue of white supremacy is today.
"This big event and us being here, although it’s bringing attention to Richard Spencer, it’s bringing attention to ‘Wow this is still a thing, we should work to stop that.’”
Lot of people screaming at police. They claim they’re protecting nazis. Police say they’re protecting the first amendment - for both sides.
— Cheyna Roth (@Cheyna_R) March 5, 2018
Ian Wendrow is a recent MSU graduate. He carried a wooden sign he made with his father. It’s a red and black flag with a Star of David in the middle.
“My grandparents escaped from the Nazis, and so more or less just showing that you’ve tried, you’ve failed. I’m still here, we’re always going to be here.”
Spencer is scheduled to start speaking at 4:30 p.m. Monday afternoon. Protesters began to gather around noon across the street from the pavilion.
