Christian preacher spreads the Word
Mark Trout offends Jews, Muslims, peace activist club at Israel anniversary celebration
Soheil Rezaee
Issue date: 5/27/08 Section: News
Trout was not charged with any crime but has the option to file an assault charge against the student who pushed him. Police told Trout it would be in his best interest to stay off the campus to avoid future problems.
Because Trout remained in the Free Speech Zone, which exists inside of the Hinson Campus Center patio on campus, he is entitled to say what he wants, police said. Yet many who were present said he was far outside of the zone, in which case administrators and campus police have the power to place a restraining order on him, banning him from campus grounds for disturbing the peace.
The Free Speech Zone was developed for students and guest organizations to practice free speech without disturbing the college's learning environment. It was established after a lawsuit by an anti-abortion group a few years ago.
Acording to Police Chief Ron Levine, Trout is no stranger to De Anza or other institutions of higher learning in the Bay Area, as he has been known to give sermons on other campuses. In 2005, San Jose State University Police detained Trout for 15 minutes after a confrontation with one student.
Trout said he works for Steamers, a carpet-cleaning service, and is often seen preaching in his blue-collar cleaning uniform on weekday afternoons in and around the Hinson Campus Center. If anyone wants to reach him, he said, "Just call Steamer's and ask for me."
Soheil Rezaee is the features editor for La Voz. Contact him at soheilrezaee@lavozdeanza.com.
Because Trout remained in the Free Speech Zone, which exists inside of the Hinson Campus Center patio on campus, he is entitled to say what he wants, police said. Yet many who were present said he was far outside of the zone, in which case administrators and campus police have the power to place a restraining order on him, banning him from campus grounds for disturbing the peace.
The Free Speech Zone was developed for students and guest organizations to practice free speech without disturbing the college's learning environment. It was established after a lawsuit by an anti-abortion group a few years ago.
Acording to Police Chief Ron Levine, Trout is no stranger to De Anza or other institutions of higher learning in the Bay Area, as he has been known to give sermons on other campuses. In 2005, San Jose State University Police detained Trout for 15 minutes after a confrontation with one student.
Trout said he works for Steamers, a carpet-cleaning service, and is often seen preaching in his blue-collar cleaning uniform on weekday afternoons in and around the Hinson Campus Center. If anyone wants to reach him, he said, "Just call Steamer's and ask for me."
Soheil Rezaee is the features editor for La Voz. Contact him at soheilrezaee@lavozdeanza.com.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
George E. Smith
posted 5/27/08 @ 7:12 PM PST
On this day, I happened to be walking through table area, and was entering the Hinson Campus Center, coming from the A-Quad, when I overheard Mark speaking, and to be quite honest, I personally found him to
be very offensive and even insulting; however, I decided not to go and argue with him, and give what I really felt he was looking for, an audience and a great acting performance. (Continued…)
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