Stephen Atkerson—Georgia State University

Stephen Atkerson is a committed Christian compelled to share the merits of his faith with willing listeners. He frequently visits the Clarkston Campus of Georgia State University (GSU) Perimeter College to hold conversations with interested students in public spaces.  He does not preach, use amplification, speak loudly, or force his beliefs on anyone. Rather, he has friendly one-to-one conversations with any willing participant.

On one occasion, Stephen met with a student with whom he had spoken several times to discuss the Bible and various aspects of Christianity in the outside, free speech area. Due to the rain, the student invited Stephen to continue the conversation just outside the dining area under an awning.  Several minutes later the student engagement coordinator and three armed police officers forced him to end their conversation, demanding Atkerson leave the table and go back to the free speech area immediately.

Stephen questioned their demands and explained that the student had invited him to continue the conversation. The response was clear: the GSU rule required he remain in the free speech area to have any conversations. The engagement coordinator also added that Stephen must refrain from approaching students even within the free speech area. Fearing arrest, he complied and left the campus.

First Liberty sent a demand letter to the Georgia State University President demanding written assurance that Stephen Atkerson will not be prohibited from approaching or talking to students about their faith. In the letter, attorney Nate Kellum asserts that “Religious speech is constitutionally protected and conversational speech is also safeguarded. Oral dissemination of religious views falls under the Free Speech clause.”

After sending the demand letter, GSU acknowledged Mr. Atkerson’s First Amendment right to speak with students on campus about his faith when invited to engage in conversation.

“We’re grateful that the University understands the protections of the First Amendment which allows for the free exchange of ideas, even when those ideas are based in faith,” said First Liberty Senior Counsel Nate Kellum. “Stephen is thrilled to be able to continue his ministry to college students.”