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The administration finally listened and restricted these aggressive outsiders from targeting our campus pathways. It took far too long but Shoemaker Square is finally a space where we can walk without being harassed. We proved that Southern Miss belongs to the students and not to the people spewing hate at …

July 21, 2018

Safe Space for Shoemaker Square

Safe Space for Shoemaker Square

🏆 Won — 324 supporters Verified

Final supporters

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Phillip S.
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Blythe G.
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Savannah W.
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Harley F.
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Sharon S.
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Charlee M.
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Anna W.
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Patricia S.
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Matayah
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Someone
+314 more
AS
Started by Alicia Smelser 9 years, 7 months ago

In July 2016 Shoe Maker Square became an area open to the public by the department of Southern Miss. Since then there have been protesters from a religious group not affiliated with USM. These people create an aggressive atmosphere around them that escalates quickly--they begin to say hateful words or phrases that can ruin a student's mindset. Whether it be a student passing by or taking part in the protest for an opposing side, no one can be protected from their hatred . From personal experience, I can say that when hateful words are thrown my way by this group it ruins my mood.Southern Miss prides itself on being a safe and welcoming place, but for potential students were to witness a protest from this group, they may be deterred from attending. Making Shoe Maker Square a safe space will allow the students to make it to and from class without fear of persecution from those who believe differently. Shoe Maker Square is a centralized point on campus which can be sometimes hard to avoid. So let us work together as a school and make Shoe Maker Square a safe space for us students and faculty.

Updates

Reached 250 supporters

April 26, 2018

April 26, 2018

The administration at Southern Miss refuses to acknowledge the hostility poisoning our campus while students are forced to endure this harassment every single day. I am currently compiling a report of the verbal abuse reported in these comments to force the dean to stop looking the other way. We will not let these outsiders dictate the atmosphere of our home.

Reached 100 supporters

April 25, 2018

56 Comments

B
Bailey
8 years ago Featured

I can’t stand being harassed by these people, or having to literally avoid a central part of campus in order to not be agitated. I have an anxiety disorder; and this literally picks my heart rate up when I have to see aborted fetus pics in the campus I pay oodles of money to, to get an education.

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Evan Wesson
8 years ago Featured

As a Christian...these people are not Christians. Christians don't spew hate and rejection, and I can promise you Jesus wouldn't act like that. I'll gladly sign this to help protect students!

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Hazel Tepec
8 years ago Featured

Schools already stressful and even if you try to ignore them, they are still a presence you can’t avoid. This isn’t just a problem for the LGBTQ+, but everyone who they don’t approve of.

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Alex Blackwell
8 years ago Featured

Harassing passing students who want nothing to do with the situation and filming them without consent is not "free speech." It is a violation.

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riley
8 years ago Featured

i’m a woman, i’m bisexual, and i would love to not be yelled at and called a slut for wearing shorts when it’s 90 degrees outside!

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Sara Ditsworth
8 years ago Featured

I have been working near Shoe Maker Square in the Hub for these past two years, and each time I hear those protestors it ruins my mood. I also worry that future students (who pass through that area on tours!!) will see them and decide not to come to USM.

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Savannah Walker
8 years ago

Freedom of speech is one thing, but this is so much more than that. It’s got to stop. Please.

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Charlee Michelle Meiners
8 years ago

They are not allowed to single out individuals for vicious threats.

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