Protests, Debates in Free Speech Zone Bring Politics to Georgia Tech

An outdoor amphitheater in the heart of Georgia Tech's campus has been designated a "free speech zone." Most students walk by this area several times a day, since it is located in a high-traffic area between the Student Center and major classroom buildings. Thus, protests and demonstrations tend to draw large crowds, as passing students notice the commotion and want to find out what is going on.

On Sept. 27, for instance, I was heading from my afternoon differential equations class back to my dorm when I noticed a large and noisy crowd in the amphitheater. Bagpipes were droning, flags were waving, and someone was yelling into a loudspeaker. Naturally, I was curious-and I wasn't the only one. At least 50 students were gathered in interest.

A Christian group with extreme social convictions was severely condemning homosexuality, quoting biblical verses promising damnation. These views infuriated many students, even religious students, who repeatedly chanted "Go home, go home." While some students were angry, others were amused, considering the group's views nothing more than absurdity.

The growing occurrence of such demonstrations and rallies attests to the increasing political consciousness of a traditionally less politically inclined campus. The majority of Georgia Tech students are engineering or other hard science majors, which are typically not associated with high levels of political awareness. But this is all beginning to change.

Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Georgia Tech is influenced by, but not limited to, the conservative and religious trends of the South. Many students are conservative and Protestant Christian, but not all. Republicans, democrats, and libertarians are all officially represented by student organizations. The largest religious organization on campus is actually the Catholic Center, and there are a lot of Protestant, nondenominational, and even atheist meetings. Students of any leaning have a wide variety of channels for activism.