A church near Ohio State University's campus is inviting students to write chalk messages on its steps and sidewalks after university leadership banned the practice on campus.
St. Stephens Episcopal Church on Woodruff Avenue recently set out chalk and a sign announcing the church steps and courtyard sidewalk as a "free chalking zone."
Karl Stevens, the church rector, says OSU students and faculty who attend the church were upset with the university's ban.
"They find it fairly outrageous that OSU has banned chalking on campus, which for years and years was a primary way in which students let each other know about events or spoke to their advocacy," Stevens said.
St. Stephens Episcopal describes itself as "a progressive church on campus."
"We're right here. We have sidewalks which do not belong to OSU, so we invited people to come and write their messages," Stevens said.
Stevens said students have been writing messages of advocacy and support and advertising campus clubs and events. He said they've been following the church rules of not using hate speech or profanity.
Ohio State leaders have previously said that they changed chalking policy because of continued complaints, administrators spending a lot of time evaluating chalking and to help people find their way on campus better.
Critics said the move restricted students' free speech.
Stevens said St. Episcopal Church doesn't shy away from politics, though the church does not endorse partisan candidates.
"As a church, we're concerned for the state of the world. We think our faith calls us to care for the least among us," Stevens said.
Stevens said the church also believes in free speech.
"It is okay to have diverse opinions on our grounds, written on our grounds, as long as people are respectful and loving to each other in their disagreements," Stevens said.
