Richard Spencer

Richard Spencer is a self-proclaimed white supremacist who advocates for the removal of racial minorities from the United States. He has openly expressed admiration for the Nazi Party and was a featured speaker at the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, which turned violent. Credited with coining the term “alt-right,” Spencer has promoted racist, antisemitic, and misogynistic views both in public appearances and on his website.

Background Materials

Richard Rowley, A.C. Thompson, Karim Hajj | Frontline and ProPublica | 07/01/25 (Video)

“Documenting Hate: Charlottesville”


Frontline: Film Audio Track | PBS | 07/01/25 (Podcast)

“Documenting Hate: Charlottesville”


Meghan Keneally | ABC News | 07/01/25 (Article)

“What to know about the violent Charlottesville protests and anniversary rallies”


Opinion Pieces from Michigan State’s student newspaper

Brandon Lee | The State News | 07/01/25 (Commentary)

“Letter: Why I will resist Richard Spencer”


Kyle C. Kerbawy Sr. | The State News | 07/01/25 (Commentary)

“Letter: If National Policy Institute comes to MSU, hold the speakers responsible for ramifications”


Kyle J. Bristow | The State News | 07/01/25 (Commentary)

“Letter to the Editor: Spartans should attend Spencer’s ‘marketplace of ideas’”


Aftermath of the Michigan State University Case

C.J. Moore | The State News | 07/01/25 (Article)

“Protesters condemn Richard Spencer outside MSU Pavilion”