Evangelist preaching sparks student outcry
Christian pair denounces gays, students rally with Pride Alliance
Kevin Muller
Issue date: 10/2/08 Section: News
Although many students were distressed by the situation, neither the college nor police took any action to remove the Deferios. "There's nothing illegal going on here," said Lt. Michael Bovee of University Police at the scene.
According to Robert Bonfiglio, vice president for student and campus life, the Deferios called his office saying they wanted to come and "preach the Gospel." They were referred to the Office of Campus Scheduling and Special Events, which told them they could come as the campus is public property and free speech rights must be upheld.
"People have the right to come to campus and say things like they were saying," said Bonfiglio, noting that in the past, two SUNY campuses have been successfully sued for removing similar individuals. "The college does not have a right to ban them," he said. He advised that "the best response is not to give them an audience."
On Oct. 1, President Christopher Dahl issued an e-mail to members of the college community. In the e-mail, he said that, the two demonstrators are likely to return to Geneseo, as they have to other campuses.
"Though we may not be able to prevent their return, I call upon every member of our community to continue to support each other and to work to build and maintain a campus climate reflecting our deeply held values," Dahl said. "I commend the students and faculty who confronted the visitors and indicated, in a non-violent fashion, how unacceptable their views are in this community."
Mr. Deferio indicated that he and his daughter would, in fact, return to campus, though no specific date was given.
According to Robert Bonfiglio, vice president for student and campus life, the Deferios called his office saying they wanted to come and "preach the Gospel." They were referred to the Office of Campus Scheduling and Special Events, which told them they could come as the campus is public property and free speech rights must be upheld.
"People have the right to come to campus and say things like they were saying," said Bonfiglio, noting that in the past, two SUNY campuses have been successfully sued for removing similar individuals. "The college does not have a right to ban them," he said. He advised that "the best response is not to give them an audience."
On Oct. 1, President Christopher Dahl issued an e-mail to members of the college community. In the e-mail, he said that, the two demonstrators are likely to return to Geneseo, as they have to other campuses.
"Though we may not be able to prevent their return, I call upon every member of our community to continue to support each other and to work to build and maintain a campus climate reflecting our deeply held values," Dahl said. "I commend the students and faculty who confronted the visitors and indicated, in a non-violent fashion, how unacceptable their views are in this community."
Mr. Deferio indicated that he and his daughter would, in fact, return to campus, though no specific date was given.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 7
Aachen Elsinghorst
posted 10/02/08 @ 3:37 PM EST
This is going to sound strange, but I'm actually thankful that the Deferios decided to visit our campus.
Before you start yelling, I would like to mention that I think that what Mr. (Continued…)
just the facts jack
posted 10/02/08 @ 4:51 PM EST
The school's reaction should be applauded. Not just for the outcry of disgust and the unity demonstrated, but for the school's respect of the first amendment. (Continued…)
Karl
posted 10/02/08 @ 6:09 PM EST
Bravo to Kai Davis for respecting free speech. All to often, we want to ban people who say things we disagree with. The best course of action is to let them say what they want and challenge them when they speak nonsensically. (Continued…)
Rusty
posted 10/03/08 @ 12:15 PM EST
How stupid can these people have be, coming to a college and saying this. I agree with above post. Allow them to say what they want and challenge them in the arena of ideas. (Continued…)
Lee Manuelo
posted 10/04/08 @ 7:00 PM EST
This is too bad. I also am a true Christian and I do not believe that homosexuality is right, but as the above post stated, Jesus did NOT preach hate, he preached with love. (Continued…)
Post a Comment