JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Students at the University of North Florida said they are being harassed by a religious group. They say it has gotten so bad, students formed their own group to protect their classmates from them. Students have expressed how the religious group "Untamed Truth" makes them uncomfortable. They want university officials to do something about it.
Alivia Kalin leads "Untamed Love". She said at times the religious group follows students to their dorm, they yell at students, call female students out their name based on their appearance and purposefully misgender transgender students. Street preachers and demonstrators are usually seen on UNF's 'the green'. It is an open green field where students hang out and relax. Demonstrations are sometimes held there. To Kalin, it is hard to relax when religious groups hold signs that read "what could we possibly say to you if you are actually going to hell?". She said Untamed Truth has visited her campus for four years.
"A lot of students are uncomfortable and don't wanna be told you're to hell. Like, you're a terrible person. You dress indecently." Kalin said. "It's stressful enough. We don't need hate on this campus."
Kalin said the preachers will stay on campus until it is dark. The UNF senior went on to say university officials instructed students to not engage with the demonstrators. The way Kalin sees it; UNF needs to do more to protect students. She wants Moez Limayem, UNF's president, to listen to student's experiences.
"Even when people don't engage, they still come. It doesn't matter if people engage or not. They still arrive here. They stay here until the late hours," Kalin added. "Just saying don't engage with them doesn't help. It doesn't reassure anybody that they're safe or that they're protected."
UNF said it is aware of student's concerns and sent First Coast News a statement.
"The University administration and President Limayem are very aware of the concerns of students, faculty and others related to certain preachers and demonstrators who visit campus. The UNF Police Department is typically present during these events, along with other campus officials, and will quickly intervene if any laws or policies are broken or if incidents are reported. UNF is a public university bound by the First Amendment and state statutes which allow for free speech and access to public outdoor areas on campus. The University is committed to fostering a safe campus environment and continues to strategize and create resources to educate students about freedom of expression and how best to address these situations. If someone believes a law or policy is being violated on campus, they should immediately report the activity to the UPD or appropriate campus authority."
However, to Kalin, a safe campus means the preachers are not allow to come back. Street Preachers were not present on UNF's campus, Thursday. First Coast News reached out to Untamed Truth, but have not heard back.