The Church of Jackson is a consistent visitor to the University of Southern Mississippi campus. Every Tuesday, they can be found at Shoemaker square. Their protests range from 10 to 15 people with various graphic images to two people holding a picket sign.     

By looking at the Church of Jackson’s Facebook page, it appears that the church operates out of the pastor’s home, Keith Dalton, in Brookhaven. The Church of Jackson did not respond when the Student Printz reached out for a comment.  

There has been campus-wide disapproval of their visits, especially from students who have had altercations with the Church of Jackson. The SGA Senate has heard the bulk of these complaints and has been working closely with The Division of Student Affairs. There is little that can be done.   

“Since they’re in a publicly funded university, they have every right allotted by the constitution. That includes freedom of speech, freedom of religion,” said Christopher Lee, SGA Senate Vice President. “So, if we tried to impede on that, that’s directly an interference with their first amendment rights.”  

The University of Southern Mississippi is a public institution and must allow access to external groups for them to exercise free speech. To keep this maintained, USM has a policy set up that organizations need to go through to secure a spot on campus.   

First, there are only five free-speech zones across USM’s Hattiesburg campus. Four of them are outside: Shoemaker Square Fountain, Pedestrian Plaza, Weathersby lawn and Centennial Green. For visitors looking to do a small tabling event, they can set up inside the Union.   

If a visitor is not inside of these free speech zones, they can be asked to relocate.   

Guests must then have a record on file with the Student Affairs office. This information includes the organization’s name, as well as contact information. Student Affairs does not currently run background checks on external visitors, but they do collect license numbers.  

The Dean of Students, Sirena Cantrell, will then look over their submission and tell visitors dates that are available. If all the spaces are taken, they must come on a different day.   

“I try not to schedule organizations right beside each other,” Cantrell said.   

Visitors have no limit on how many people they can bring, which means free-speech zones can get crowded very quickly.   

Nothing can legally keep the Church of Jackson off campus, but students are allowed to use these free-speech zones as well. Counter protests or picketing are allowed, however, there have been a few instances where students have had to be reprimanded for behavior towards the Church of Jackson.  

“There have been instances of students spitting on them, flashing their extremities,” Lee said. “So, that’s assault and public indecency. Those are crimes that could be followed up by a lawsuit.”   

The Church of Jackson cannot be dismissed unless they become violent, but the administration is looking for ways to provide relief to students. SGA Senate is working to make counseling services readily available when the Church of Jackson is on campus.   

Students are encouraged to reach out to Student Affairs or the SGA Senate if they have comments or questions.