For more than four years, a religious group known as “preachers on the green” has been setting up on the big open green space at the heart of the University of North Florida campus — and voicing members' beliefs to students.
They bring signs and huge banners, and they use what’s been described as “strong language.” Many students feel as though they’ve been verbally assaulted or harassed by the group. Some have even walked away from interactions feeling unsafe. According to reporting from The Spinnaker — UNF’s student-run news source — there have even been incidents where members of the group actually followed students home.
Students have asked the university to get involved, but there are legal concerns. University Police Chief Frank Mackesy has said as much as he’d like to ban them from campus, they’re protected by the First Amendment. Until they break the law, Mackesy says there’s nothing he can do.
Guests:
- Richmond Wynn, vice president and chief diversity officer at UNF.
- Carter Mudgett, editor-in-chief of the Spinnaker.
- Alivia Kalin, a UNF student and a member of the group Students for a Democratic Society.
Our Planet
The Florida Theatre will present "Our Planet Live in Concert" on March 31.
Hosted by the series composer and Academy Award-winner Steven Price, the show will feature spectacular visual and sound effects and on-screen narration from David Attenborough.
Guest: Steven Price, Academy Award and BAFTA-winning composer, with notable scores including Alfonso Cuaron’s "Gravity" and Edgar Wright’s "Baby Driver."
Planting trees on the Westside
Greenscape Jacksonville plans to plant more trees on the Westside. But, in order to do so, the organization needs your help.
Guests:
- Lisa Grubba, executive director of Greenscape Jacksonville.
- Jimmy Orth, executive director of the St. Johns Riverkeeper.
What’s Good Wednesday
- As part of its current Creative Arts Series, Jacksonville University will present the "From the Margins: Nothing Left Unsung" choral concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Terry Concert Hall. Due to a variety of social biases, many composers throughout history have struggled to find audiences for their music. This concert will amplify the voices of marginalized artists and share some favorite hidden gems, both ancient and contemporary.
- The Civic Orchestra of Jacksonville will perform a free Sensory Sensitivity concert in the Dorothy and Lee Thomas Equestrian Barn at the Delores Barr Weaver Therapeutic Equestrian Center. Sensory sensitivity concerts are designed to be welcoming for people of all ages and abilities ... particularly those who may find it difficult to sit quietly during a concert. In fact, dancing and giggling is encouraged! That’s from 5 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the North Florida School of Special Education.
- Catholic Charities Jacksonville will host its Black & White Soiree from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Lower East Club. Guests are invited to enjoy a cocktail reception that will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music by the Bay Kings Band and, of course, plenty of dancing. Funds raised during the Black & White Soiree go to support the Catholic Charities’ programs including its Feed A Family initiative.
