It is common these days on college campuses to get distracted by some unknown person blocking students’ way and trying to persuade them to buy something or offer them unnecessary information that could be disturbing, uncomfortable and risky for the students which is why Pierce College should implement stronger restrictions on who can enter campus.
The First Amendment allows freedom to petition, free speech, and free exercise of religion might be intimidating for students in various ways if not applied accurately.
According to Pierce College’s Administrative Regulation B-38, free speech areas are open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors must follow time, place and manner rules such as no amplification, obstruction or violence. Pierce encourages solicitors to notify staff before holding large gatherings.
Everyone has the right to spread positive messages to people or freely practice their religion. However, the constant activity of preachers on campus and their style of approaching students can be uncomfortable.
In an article published by The Cougar, the student-run newspaper from Houston University, voiced concerns about how allowing these people on campus results in hate speech.
“Most preachers hold up a sign with a list of phrases or groups that should be condemned, that raise concerns about hate speech on campus.”
The Cougar article expressed how students feel pressured by these uninvited people on campus.
“Students have reported feeling uncomfortable with these interactions and, at times, even pressured. These issues started as a simple nuisance but became a concern when one of the free healthcare solicitors got arrested in the Retail Auxiliary Dining Center after engaging with students.”
The article also discussed how solicitors can threaten students’ privacy when they fake their identities and disguise themselves as non-profit agents to ask students for their personal information such as their social security numbers.
A 2022 Cal Matters article focused on how private schools face issues from trespassers on campus and increasing the risk of violence.
“Altercations with students also occur. People come to campus to play pick-up games, fight with students, or make comments that offend students.”
This could happen to students on any campus, whether private or public. With Pierce being open to the public, the chance of this happening is increased and the Pierce administration is therefore responsible for taking more steps to ensure its students feel comfortable on campus.
