The preaching guy outside the Commons
The traveling preacher is very shouty.
posted over 12 years ago
I noticed the gentlemen who likes to preach was stationed outside the Commons today. He said that he had permission to be there. I'm curious as to who gave him permission. I work in the Biology building, and we've been able to hear him from the fourth floor. I've personally asked him to lower his voice when he is gets too loud. Today, when I said something, his reply was, "It's okay." Well, actually, it's not okay. If we're working, or classes are in session in Biology or Lecture Hall 1, then he's being a disruption and distraction.
It doesn't seem like he is a university sponsored speaker, but if he is allowed, then he needs to be mindful of the purpose of this university, which is education. If he is doing something that is disrupting classes or distracting to students trying to find a nice place to study on a beautiful day, then the university should address this issue.
I'm not saying that he can't be on campus, though I wouldn't mind never hearing him again, but he needs to be respectful of the community. People are here to work and study, and we need a suitable atmosphere for that. Not to mention, I thought UMBC prides itself on its diversity, and he runs the risk of offending a sizeable portion of our population.
Does anyone know who sponsors him or allows him access to the campus, and who I can talk to get him to quiet down?
Thanks kindly!
It doesn't seem like he is a university sponsored speaker, but if he is allowed, then he needs to be mindful of the purpose of this university, which is education. If he is doing something that is disrupting classes or distracting to students trying to find a nice place to study on a beautiful day, then the university should address this issue.
I'm not saying that he can't be on campus, though I wouldn't mind never hearing him again, but he needs to be respectful of the community. People are here to work and study, and we need a suitable atmosphere for that. Not to mention, I thought UMBC prides itself on its diversity, and he runs the risk of offending a sizeable portion of our population.
Does anyone know who sponsors him or allows him access to the campus, and who I can talk to get him to quiet down?
Thanks kindly!
(edited over 12 years ago)
Selected Answer...
Since UMBC is considered public property it falls under public property exemptions for noise standards, the Reslife side doesn't because they have their own policies on noise under their student Rights and Responsibilities. Noise standards in Baltimore county is pretty lax and virtually unenforceable since they pulled the funding for the enforcement of noise pollution here a few years back. I combed through the code of student conduct but since this preacher is not a student that would not even be applicable to him. He is not selling anything so in terms of the law he is not doing anything wrong. Annoying as it is.
If it is really a problem you can try calling Campus Police to get an officer to chat with him politely. If that does not work you can try to stop by the Office of Student Life and see if Nancy Young or Kim Leisey can talk with you about it. They are both very amiable people and always want to hear student concerns especially if it is interfering with your studies.
As a last resort you can get in contact with the Department of the Environment. Vincent Gardina 4108873733 or William Bridges 4108873663 would be your most likely points of contact there. Hope that helps :-)
