Evangelist causes a stir on campus
By Brittany Berrens
Staff Writer
9/8/2009
Student Mickey Holewinski shares his views with Morrell.
Evangelist preacher Jesse Morrell caused a bit of commotion Tuesday as he read from the Bible outside of the Rothwell Student Center.
“Homosexuals! They’ll get it in the end!” shouted Morrell.
The preacher is part of the Open Air Outreach, an organization that travels to college campuses all over the country to promote their religious beliefs.
“We know people will be offended, but we hope they see it as love,” stated supporter Steve Jankowski of Duluth.
More than 20 UW-Superior students argued with Morrell as he read verses from the Bible and condemned students for behaviors such as pre-marital sex, homosexuality and drug use.
Freshman Emily Pribnow was among the students gathered around Morrell.
“It’s just offensive. He said that women need to submit to their husbands, and that if they abuse us we can’t divorce them. Clearly he doesn’t know what it’s like to be a woman, or what it’s like to be in abusive relationship,” said Pribnow.
Campus safety and two Superior police officers were on hand, but were obliged by the first amendment to allow Morrell to voice his opinions on campus.
“The only thing I can do is to help ensure that it stays safe here because he is obviously saying some things that other people take objection to. He has a right to say it and has a right to be safe in saying it. But that doesn’t stop anyone with an opposing point of view standing on the other side of the sidewalk saying their side,” said Campus Safety Director Gary Gulbrandson.
Student Aaron Bigboy recognized the preacher’s right to be on campus, but couldn’t help but get a little annoyed.
“It’s America. We don’t have to accept what he says. I take it all with a grain of salt. I’m Native American so I have a different belief system. I can respect him but not accept him,” said Bigboy.
“It’s kind of fun to argue with them but it’s pointless. It doesn’t get anywhere,” said Pribnow.
Students disbanded after Morrell left campus around 4 p.m.
“Homosexuals! They’ll get it in the end!” shouted Morrell.
The preacher is part of the Open Air Outreach, an organization that travels to college campuses all over the country to promote their religious beliefs.
“We know people will be offended, but we hope they see it as love,” stated supporter Steve Jankowski of Duluth.
More than 20 UW-Superior students argued with Morrell as he read verses from the Bible and condemned students for behaviors such as pre-marital sex, homosexuality and drug use.
Freshman Emily Pribnow was among the students gathered around Morrell.
“It’s just offensive. He said that women need to submit to their husbands, and that if they abuse us we can’t divorce them. Clearly he doesn’t know what it’s like to be a woman, or what it’s like to be in abusive relationship,” said Pribnow.
Campus safety and two Superior police officers were on hand, but were obliged by the first amendment to allow Morrell to voice his opinions on campus.
“The only thing I can do is to help ensure that it stays safe here because he is obviously saying some things that other people take objection to. He has a right to say it and has a right to be safe in saying it. But that doesn’t stop anyone with an opposing point of view standing on the other side of the sidewalk saying their side,” said Campus Safety Director Gary Gulbrandson.
Student Aaron Bigboy recognized the preacher’s right to be on campus, but couldn’t help but get a little annoyed.
“It’s America. We don’t have to accept what he says. I take it all with a grain of salt. I’m Native American so I have a different belief system. I can respect him but not accept him,” said Bigboy.
“It’s kind of fun to argue with them but it’s pointless. It doesn’t get anywhere,” said Pribnow.
Students disbanded after Morrell left campus around 4 p.m.
