A Clarke Forum panel discussion was followed by a heated discussion about race and religion when three community members attempted to provoke minority students.

The community members, including Stephen Garisto, a “self-proclaimed street preacher,” and his friend, Dave Delp, also distributed flyers depicting Prophet Muhhammad, an act that is considered highly offensive by most Muslim communities.

Abdullah “Aboody” Rumman ’20, a Muslim student from Pakistan, attended the event and engaged with the community members afterward.

“Through the talk, there [were] these three guys who [didn’t] clap or anything and just [sat] there…people around them hear them saying ‘Well, why don’t we let [them] talk?’ he stated.

Following the panel discussion, students formed groups around the three men and, according to Kevin Ssonko ’20, attempted to “rationalize with them about their views.”

The men discussed their support of President Trump and their views regarding “hoax Muslims.”

“They start[ed] talking about how the travel ban is good and how hoax Muslims sue the government on fake claims of victimization and end up getting money,” said Rumman. “That part was okay, but there was the third guy who told his story of how he became an Evangelical and distributed pamphlets to everyone about the falsehood of the prophethood of Prophet Muhammad.”

When the man learned that Rumman was Muslim, he gave him a similar handout.

“This guy, when he got to know I’m Muslim, gave me a comic thing, which was named ‘the Prophet.’ It has a cartoon image of what he claims to be Prophet Muhammad and he gives it to me and says you better read this,” Rumman said.

After receiving the handout, Rumman asked the community members if they condemned instances when people were targeted based on their skin color, religion or orientation. All three men responded that they did.

Rumman’s interaction was friendly, and even ended in a hug after Rumman asked the men if it was “okay for [them] to hug a Muslim.”  Other interactions were less peaceful.

According to Ssonko, the men also “talked down to” female students, and even put their hands on people’s shoulders in an attempt “to shut them up.”

According to Chief of Public Safety, Dolores Danser, since Clarke Forum events are “free and open to the public,” community members are technically invited onto campus property. However, “Public Safety is a police department and officers have the same power on campus as CPD officers have in town,” she maintained. In instances of harassment, DPS has the power to issue warnings that would prohibit the person from entering any college property, even if the event they attended was “open to the public.”

Danser also explained that these types of Clarke Forum events are likely to bring opposing viewpoints to light.

“At events open to the public, differences of opinion, politely and thoughtfully expressed, are welcome.  However, when behavior crosses over into disruption and/or harassment of members of the Dickinson community, including the speakers, it will not be tolerated,” she maintained.  “…when discussions turn to harassment, Public Safety does have the legal ground to remove people from the premises. “

Clarke Forum Student Supervisor, Sam Weissman ’18, said he enjoys challenging his own point of view at events, however, he urged his fellow students not to let the “provocation distract” them from the main message of the event.

“Community participation and challenging questions are Clarke Forum values that I appreciate. Several audience members threatened these values to make a platform for themselves. Attention and provocation were their goals, but the panelists stole the show,” he maintained. “[Panelist] Ikram’s comments were among the most profound and articulate I have heard at the Forum. Tension after the lecture should not distract from an outpouring of community support from the incredible panelists.”

According to Danser, Stephen Garisto has been “disruptive” at two Clarke Forum events so far. Previously, Garisto called Lalo Alcaraz, who was presenting about political satire on Tuesday, February 7, an “oh so-subtle communist revolutionary.” At that event, Garisto condemned Alcaraz’ mockery of Donald Trump, stating “the Bible says that fools mock at sin.” Alcaraz was eventually escorted to his hotel by Public Safety. Garisto could not be reached for a comment by print time.

“We have received information that at the last two Clarke Forum events [that] the gentleman in question was disruptive, challenging students, interfering with the movements of speakers, etcetera. We are attempting to gather information to confirm those reports at this time,” Danser maintained.

Public Safety continues to work with departments and organizations to determine appropriate security measures prior to events. However, Danser urges students to reach out to DPS if they feel harassed or threatened at lectures.

“I would encourage any student who feels harassed at event contact DPS and file a report,” she said.

DPS can be reached at (717) 245-1349 or at [email protected] . In times of emergency, students are urged to call (717) 245-1111 (Ext. 1111).