Preacher draws crowd of protesters.

(The controversial figure has preached his message at several SUNY campuses.)

Issue date: 10/24/08 Section: News

Last week, a large number of SUNY Potsdam students gathered in response to Miles Lewis, Reverend Jim Deferio and Michelle Deferio, who came to preach their interpretation of the Christian Bible.

Lewis and the Deferios began speaking and preaching shortly after noon last Friday, October 17, in front of the Barrington Student Union. Their stances against homosexuality, premarital sex, abortion and non-Christians were met with a large crowd of students displaying their contrary positions with signs, chants and pointed questions.

Members of SUNY Potsdam's campus radio station, the WAIH (90.3 FM) joined in the protest, playing politically themed music during the time of the demonstration. Protesters brought radios and tuned into the station. While songs ranging from "It's Raining Men" to "Imagine" played, students danced and sang along, posing for group pictures and proudly holding up their signs.

According to Vice President of Student Affairs Chris Strong, the religious presentation was not an isolated incident. "To the best of my knowledge, they have been to Geneseo, Brockport, Oneonta, Fredonia, Binghamton and maybe Oswego," said Strong.

The weather was accommodating for Lewis, the Deferios and protesters alike. Despite a chill in the air, the sun shone all day and there were blue skies. Besides Deferio and onlookers, Student Government Association held table hours outside and sophomore psychology major Corey Martin stood with a sign reading "Free Hugs."

After an hour of loud protesting, Communication professor Dr. John Youngblood, intervened, offering to moderate an intellectual debate with the speakers. Students sat on the ground and engaged with Deferio in a Q&A session.

At one point, Miles Lewis, one of Deferio's speakers, said that the students were not respecting his diversity.

"They are preaching the same way that you do," replied Dr. Youngblood. "It is clear you did not take advantage of our free hugs section!"

The topic of homosexuality and sin was raised frequently. Lewis never directly answered these questions, he did state that "not all sins are equal."

When asked why he chose to come to SUNY Potsdam, Deferio said "I hope to preach as the apostles did in their day."

A vague e-mail from Christine Strong, Vice President of Student Affairs, preceded Deferio's arrival on campus. The e-mail stated: "Occasionally, campuses are visited by outside individuals who have a wish to communicate their message and distribute material to the campus community. While we may not agree with their message, as a public institution of higher education we are legally obligated to allow individuals to exercise their right to free speech," wrote Strong. "These individuals must agree to abide by our policies so that we avoid disruption of classes and provide security as needed."

At the end of the day Friday, both sides were successful. While Deferio and his associates were able to speak their mind, and those students who did not agree with the messages were able to do the same.