Richard Spencer: Jury trial date set for lawsuit against the University of Cincinnati

A federal lawsuit filed on behalf of white nationalist Richard Spencer against the University of Cincinnati will go to trial next year.

A federal judge in Cincinnati on Thursday scheduled March 18, 2019, for a jury trial for the lawsuit, which was prompted by a security fee.

The University of Cincinnati was sued in January after requesting a fee of over $10,000 from Spencer to help pay for the anticipated cost and security of hosting him.

Spencer was originally scheduled to speak on the University of Cincinnati's campus next week, but it was called off because of the lawsuit.

The University of Florida spent an estimated $500,000 on security preparing for Spencer's visit in October.

Spencer most recently spoke at Michigan State University on Monday, where protests and demonstrations led to arrests. As of Wednesday, 20 people had been formally charged according to the Lansing State Journal.

Spencer is a self-described leader of the "alt-right."

The term "alt-right" is frequently used by white supremacists and white nationalists to describe their political leanings or beliefs. Their platform emphasizes preserving and protecting the white race in the United States.

A similar lawsuit, filed originally by Michigan-based attorney Kyle Bristow against The Ohio State University, will be withdrawn, according to the Associated Press.

Bristow has filed federal lawsuits against Michigan State and Penn State universities on grounds of restricting free speech.

Bristow removed himself from the lawsuit involving the University of Cincinnati and The Ohio State University last week, citing how "journalists have published horrifically disparaging articles about me."

The Detroit Free Press, published a profile of Bristow earlier this month.

James E. Kolenich, who The Enquirer profiled recently, has taken over as lead counsel for the case against the University of Cincinnati.

"I have no idea why he withdrew from the cases," said Kolenich said of Bristow. "Yes, he contacted me but did not a give a reason. He merely requested the professional courtesy of me taking over the cases."

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