News Release
For Immediate Release: 2.4.25
Contact: John Manning, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
Georgia State University Reverses Course, Allows Stephen Atkerson to Talk About Faith on Campus
Previously forced off campus, university acknowledges First Amendment protections for people to talk about their faith with students.
Atlanta, GA—First Liberty Institute today announced that Georgia State University (“GSU”) will allow Stephen Atkerson to speak with students on campus about his Christian faith when invited by students to engage in conversation. First Liberty sent the university a demand letter in December urging the university to reverse its restrictions on Mr. Atkerson.
“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.”
Atkerson visits the Clarkston Campus of GSU’s Perimeter College to share his Christian faith with interested students in the free speech area on campus. His goal is to have friendly, one-on-one conversations with willing participants. On several occasions, Atkerson met with one particular GSU student to discuss the Bible and various aspects of Christianity. When they moved to a table just outside the dining area due to the weather, the conversation abruptly ended when three police officers demanded he return immediately to the free speech area or be escorted off the campus. Now with the university’s actions, Atkerson has returned to the campus and is allowed to speak freely with students.
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About First Liberty Institute
First Liberty Institute is a non-profit public interest law firm and the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans.
To arrange an interview, contact John Manning at media@firstliberty.org or by calling 972-941-4453.
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