The recent assassination of conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk has brought the true nature of free speech into question for many Americans – especially because Kirk was shot during a political debate he hosted on the campus of Utah State University. 

While this would scare many away from publicly stating their beliefs, it did not deter two men from coming to Brockport’s campus on Friday, Sept. 12, to discuss one of today’s most controversial political issues. 

Mark Merklinger and Don Weatherston didn’t come to campus on behalf of a specific organization, but on their own accord as what they refer to as “street evangelists.” 

As street evangelists, Merklinger and Weatherson travel to different public spaces to spread awareness to champion the causes they believe in through open debates. On Friday, the topic of discussion was abortion. 

Although there was no prior announcement of their visit, the street evangelists made their presence on campus known. They found a spot on the Campus Mall, a central location on Brockport’s campus near most academic buildings.  

They each held a large sign that displayed an anti-abortion message. Weatherston’s sign had religious messaging, which included phrases like “created in the image of God” and “your littlest neighbor.” Meklinger’s sign displayed a graphic image of an aborted fetus. Both signs had either a QR code or a link to Abolitionists Risings’s website, which has resources for those who want to get involved with the anti-abortion movement. 

Merklinger has been a street evangelist for over three decades. For him, the purpose of the campus visit was to engage with students in a discussion about “biblical truths.” 

“I am using abortion as a hot button issue to trigger that discussion into who God is,” Merklinger said. “So as a typical Orthodox Christian, I’m just expressing those truths and hoping to get into a really good debate.” 

Weatherston was motivated by his concern for people. 

“I believe that society is falling apart,” Weatherston said. “I believe that we see the evidence of that every night on the news. It’s no longer safe. Not even safe to express your opinions, even if you’re talking kindly to people. I believe the root of the cause is that we have cast God out of our school systems.” 

Merklinger said that they had been at the Campus Mall for four hours. This did not phase Weatherston.  

“I didn’t look at the time [when I left],” Weatherston said. “Doesn’t matter.”

Mark was told by a SUNY Brockport official that they were not allowed to debate on the Campus Mall due to new campus policies. But after arguing they were allowed to debate on campus because it was a public space, Merklinger and Weatherson stayed on the Campus Mall and continued their discussions with students. 

According to Brockport’s Freedom of Expression and Assembly Student Policy and Procedures, the Campus Mall is a designated space for protests.  

However, this policy states protests must be submitted to the campus in advance. This policy includes third party demonstrations; a category the street evangelists fall under as they have no affiliation with the college. 

The policy also states that Brockport has permission to interfere with any organized group if the group is: 

• Preventing campus operations from being conducted in an orderly way 

• Blocking people or vehicles from moving freely 

• Acting in a way that could lead to damage or injury 

• Using audio amplification in a way that distracts from campus operations and violates village and town ordinances 

• Building or taking down structures without prior approval from the Office of Student Union Leadership & Activities 

• Having an open flame 

• Holding an assembly for more than 12 hours, or between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. 

• Violating the SUNY Rules for the Maintenance of Public Order Policy. 

• Violating University policies, including the Posting Policy, Possession of Firearms and Weapons Policy, and Harassment and Discrimination Policy. 

Even though SUNY Brockport isn’t a private university, the campus itself isn’t a public space. Freedom of expression-related gatherings are only allowed if given prior approval from the university. 

Yet, even after being confronted by a campus representative and having the campus policy explained, the street evangelists don’t have any plans of stopping their crusading efforts, including at SUNY Brockport. 

“Now that my kids are out of the house, I intend to do a lot more of this,” Merklinger said. “I really want to do it a good 30 or 40 times a year at this point, ideally when the sun is still shining, to get on campuses.” 

Many students gathered on the Campus Mall to see the street evangelists. Some sided with them in their debates, and some stood in the crowd to listen.  

But most came to debate with the street evangelists, after being reeled in by their attention-grabbing signs. 

Brockport students Madison R. and Theresa B. talked to the street evangelists for over an hour. Madison felt the debate was one-sided, unsatisfied with the street evangelists’ arguments. 

 “I don’t think it’s fair to the college students who are arguing by scientific fact that you should be arguing, ‘well, the Bible says this, and the Bible says that,’” Madison said. “That’s not fair to people who are atheist [or] Jewish.” 

 Madison and Theresa were frustrated by the evangelists’ debate etiquette. 

 “He kept interrupting us,” Theresa said. “But then he actually shushed me.” 

 Student Allie L. left her conversation with the evangelists feeling confused. 

 “I asked him if he’d rather save his wife or his baby, if she was having complications with her pregnancy and she was giving birth,” Allie said. “He chose his wife, but he hates abortion and thinks all children should live.” 

 While student Jack R. didn’t personally agree with what Merklinger was saying, he felt like they had a fair conversation. 

 “He believes what he believes, and I believe what I believe,” Jack said. “There’s no reason for me to come up and debate him if I’m not going to let him talk.” 

 Still, Merklinger said that Brockport students debated with them in a more civil way than he has experienced in other places. 

 “I’m often met with people spitting on me, swearing and screaming,” Merklinger said. “I’m very pleased at how cordially they’ve carried themselves, and I’ve said some pretty hard things to hear. I’ve never experienced so much fruitful conversation.” 

While the street evangelists have yet to return to Brockport, their visit has resonated with students. Their debates challenged the status-quo of what discussions are held in open spaces on campus and highlight the need for conversation during times of intense political tension.