University of Central Missouri students gathered outdoors at the Union Mall, located on the east side of the Elliot Student Union, to express their opposing views to a demonstrator on Nov. 18 to 20.

  The demonstrator wore a shirt with the words “OBEY JESUS” and held an “ABORTION IS MURDER” sign. According to UCM Director of Public Safety Bill Brinkley, the demonstrator was Jeffrey Mullen. Using a microphone and speaker, Mullen made many statements, including that he “is a saint of god” and that students “sin by getting drunk and having sex.” Many members of the growing crowd of students expressed their opinions towards his statements by engaging in debate, shouting, singing, playing music and invading his personal space.

  “He’s preaching a lot of hate, which I don’t agree with,” sophomore Katherine Hamilton said. “Seeing the way that the UCM community has kind of come together, there’s a bunch of people with pride flags. It’s like a lot of different people that have kind of come together.”

 Some among the crowd were a part of the LGBTQ+ community, sporting their flag to represent their identities. Mullen used many slurs and derogatory terms directed at women and those in the LGBTQ+ community. As a result, many believed he created a hostile and negative environment on campus.

  “I’m all for free speech, but he’s out here actively making it an unsafe environment and creating just a space filled with hate,” senior Danny Gage said. “When it comes down to the preaching of God’s word, it’s okay to preach about God, but when you go out of your way to [verbally] attack somebody and use God’s name, it’s just ridiculous.” 

  While many students believe this is not allowed and should not be shown on campus, UCM is a public campus that enables the community to enter the campus at normal hours. In addition, the First Amendment of the United States Constitution states that people have the right to peacefully gather and express their ideas.

  “Our campus offers a beautiful and welcoming space for everyone to visit and interact with students. Mr. Jeffrey Mullen has been a regular visitor for many years,” Brinkley said. “While registration is not required for outdoor public speech events, many individuals, including Mr. Mullen, provide a courtesy notification to Public Safety so we are aware of their presence.”

  As stated in section 1.2.160 of the UCM Public Speech Policy that was approved by the Board of Governors on Dec. 13, 2002, a demonstrator may not “disrupt campus operations, including traffic, coursework, sleep, or cause damage.” In addition, a demonstrator may not “incite violence or violate harassment, discrimination, or legal policies.”

  “As long as he’s not committing any crimes such as following you or trying to assault you, truthfully all you can do is just ignore it,”  Sergeant Zach Collins with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department said. “I can’t really give out statements from my own point of view since I am a law-enforcement officer.”