EAST LANSING, MI - While those attending a "Celebration of Diversity Festival" on Monday, March 5, in East Lansing were quick to point out that they denounced the values and ideals of Richard Spencer, they took a different approach than protesters two miles away where the white nationalist was speaking.

The festival, held as an alternative event during Spencer's speaking engagement at the Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education, was intended to send a message of diversity, peace and love with a rally featuring local government officials, refreshments and entertainment.

Hosted by All Saints Episcopal Church and sponsored by the Interfaith Clergy Association of Greater Lansing, the rally featured local politicians including Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, East Lansing Mayor Mark Meadows, Ingham County Commissioner Sarah Anthony and East Lansing City Council member Aaron Stephens, as well as Michigan State University representatives including MSU College Democrats President Dan Martel and College Republicans President Derek Hackett.

While many of the rally's speakers found Spencer's views repugnant, they felt expressing love in the face of hate was a better solution than taking part in the rally against Spencer, which resulted in a number of fights and arrests between Spencer's supporters and protesters.

"I want to thank everyone for coming here instead of the Ag Building," Meadows said. "This is about celebrating what East Lansing is all about, what Lansing is all about and what our region is all about. It's diversity, it's acceptance and it's welcoming. It's not what they're talking about over there."

Martel said he had been apprehensive about Spencer's appearance on campus for months, but decided being a part of an event that showcased inclusiveness and unity was a better use of his time than following what was going on between protesters and counter-protesters.

"As a 100 percent ethnic Romani, I had no idea how I was supposed to react to white supremacy - to people who have killed over 30 percent of my ethnic population," Martel said. "I think this event is the perfect antithesis to what is going on down the road. We're here together, all different races, religions and citizen statuses - all different things that separate us - also unite us. We are here as one body."

Hackett said College Republicans reject the ideologies of white supremacy, just as they did in the fall when it was announced that Spencer would be coming to campus.

"(Spencer's) words run counter to who we are and what we all stand for," Hackett said. "We must resist the attempts to divide us by coming together instead.

"This isn't just about white supremacy coming to campus, today is special for its ability to bring people together for love and what makes us different," he added. "... Hate has no home in East Lansing."

Rabbi Amy Bigman of Congregation Shaarey Zedek said she stood with faith leaders from across the wider Lansing community supporting a place of tolerance and diversity.

"All of our religious traditions uphold the primary value of love," Bigman said. "In the end, it is only love that will matter."