Michigan State paid $18,000 for security for Spencer event

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press


Updated 1:27 pm, Saturday, June 30, 2018

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Newly released records show Michigan State University spent more than $18,000 to provide security during white nationalist Richard Spencer's March visit to the campus.

MLive.com obtained the records through an open records request. The money went to pay for fencing and barricades erected by police before the March 5 event, six passenger vans, meals for law enforcement and various signs.

University spokeswoman Emily Guerrant tells MLive.com the school was not charged by neighboring law enforcement agencies for a large contingent of officers who provided security during Spencer's visit. She says that was considered "mutual aid."

. . .

Police arrested 25 people during the event on charges that included obstructing police and failing to obey a police officer.

Read more: https://www.chron.com/news/education/article/MSU-spent-18K-on-security-during-white-13040110.php

[Mc Mike]

1. That nazi asshole isn't worth 18 cents to secure.

I'd like to ask the repugs who invited him to explain the significance of that froggie pin, though.

[Igel]

2. UCLA has a committee for evaluating that kind of thing.

They vote (or at least in the '90s "voted&quot thumbs up or thumbs down on visitors. It didn't matter if it was something the admin wanted, a student group, or department--if it required a special venue, as opposed to a guest lecture in a regular classroom or department-assigned lecture hall, or if it needed anything special besides on-campus catering, the activities committee saw it.

We not only looked at police, but things like campus clean-up, damage to buildings or landscaping. Moreover, we had to consider alternative uses: If we booked Pauley Pavilion 6 months out for some event that meant somebody else couldn't come along the following month and provide a paid booking for, say, a concert or athletic event.

Sometimes the committee--mostly based on the admin's experience--nailed the requirements. Sometimes it really over-guarded some event. Or under-staffed it.

But a lot of events ... $18k? Really? Only that much? (And keep in mind I was on this committee in '93 or '94; it wasn't stipended.)

[Mc Mike]

3. I was at UCSC in the '80's. Didn't serve on a guest lecturer committee, but

still wouldn't pay 18 cents for that nazi nimrod with the Moe Howard hairdo. I think 18 k is quite a hefty expenditure for him.

[appalachiablue]

4. He's been having difficulties lately according to the news- losing

lawsuits, speaking rejections and financial problems.

'Richard Spencer's Credit Card Was Apparently Declined for a $4.25 Drink,' Vice News, May 2018.

https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/a3awqj/richard-spencers-credit-card-was-apparently-declined-for-a-dollar425-drink-vgtrn

[Mc Mike]

5. Que lastima.

Still like to ask him about that pin on his lapel, though.