Est. 1981
Vol. 70, Issue 6
M a r c h 4 - M a r c h 11 , 2 0 2 5
THE PAISANO
Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio Community /PaisanoOnline
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Student drums out religious Protester
Miles Jones & Ben Rodriguez/The Paisano
Religious protester Daniel John Lee holds banner, stands opposite of counter-protesters made up of UTSA students and community members. By Khoi Nguyen Staff Writer
S
tudents gathered to counterprotest religious demonstrator Daniel John Lee, who was carrying a banner listing groups whom he believed should “go to hell!!” Arriving at the Sombrilla on Feb. 26 at 11 a.m., Lee attracted the attention of students at 1 p.m., who began counter-protesting and chanting “No more lies, no more hate.” The list included atheists, baby killers, drug users, drunkards, false religions, fornicators, homosexuals, racists, sin approvers, thieves, transgenders and unrepentant sinners. Minutes later, UTSA student Zach Bocchetto assembled a drum set before the growing crowd. He drowned out Lee with his playing as several students began dancing around and tipping him. Lee, who calls himself a “street preacher,” has visited campuses across the U.S. for over 25 years, previously rousing crowds at Binghamton University and the University of Nevada-Reno. He has built a reputation for debating students, as his visits are often posted on
Rumble, a social media platform popular among conservative content creators and conspiracy theorists. During a prior visit to UTSA, he was confronted by Dean of Students LT Robinson and the UTSA Police Department, who confiscated another banner. Students observing the scene expressed a wide range of opinions concerning Lee’s visits. While many acknowledge his right to freedom of speech, others have pointed out that his messages can be inflammatory. “I think it’s free speech. It’s a reflection of who you are, not anything else. Whatever you feel, that’s what you feel,” Jayla Mitchell, who was on-site, said. “Free speech is [not] freedom [from] consequence,” Luna Rose, another observer, said. “I agree you should be able to speak out. You should be able to say whatever, but that shouldn’t protect you from the consequences. That doesn’t mean people shouldn’t be mad at you for saying outright hateful things.” Raised in a Southern Baptist household, Bocchetto recalls former experiences with rhetoric similar to Lee’s. He points out that strong and often controversial beliefs are built early on.
“I have no issue with Christianity. I don’t even blame these people for this sort of rhetoric,” Bocchetto said. “I think a lot of times you just grow up with it, and you don’t really think of it.” This, however, did not stop him from interrupting Lee’s remarks as he drummed for over 50 minutes. “I would have loved to engage with this guy on some of his points, but when we’re all yelling at each other on a college campus outside, this isn’t really the space for that,” Bocchetto said. “I figured I’d kind of fight fire with fire.” “I think the music was the proper response,” an on-site witness said. “There were people yelling and [getting] aggressive. I think it’s good to just have everyone come together.” “I like the vibe, the music,” Liyah Garza, who was on the edge of the crowd, said. As Bocchetto continued playing, students rose to the platform Lee stood on and began dancing, many holding pride flags. “I’m just here because I’m passionate, and I like dancing,” said Emilio Alvarado, who danced holding a nonbinary flag next to Lee. “I’m just gay, and I wanted to be
gay!” Students expressed gratitude for Bocchetto’s performance as he played on and off before ultimately stopping at 2:23 p.m. Many thanked and hugged him, commending his stance. “I’m proud of our campus. [Seeing] so many people rally against hate, so many people rallying for acceptance of your fellow person no matter what is inspiring,” Luna Rose said. “It makes me a little bit more comfortable to be on campus.” Others, however, criticized Bocchetto’s performance, claiming it detracted from meaningful dialogue. “I don’t see a lot of love in this situation,” another witness said. “I personally prefer a more delegated, humane conversation, and I don’t necessarily see that.” For Bocchetto, playing was a productive form of protest. He voiced his appreciation for the solidarity among the counterprotesters. “I love that we’re all kind of here for the same cause — fighting this hate in the world. Hate is inevitable, but so is the resistance against it.”
University Oaks residents come forward with safety concerns Residents express concerns about ongoing safety issues in their community By Jasmine Williams Managing Editor
Diego Cisneros/The Paisano
A male and female resident of University Oaks, who wished to remain anonymous, raised concerns in an exclusive interview regarding the safety of living at University Oaks apartments in the wake of last year’s sexual assault. When asked if UTSA or University Oaks has done enough to increase security since Oct. 6, 2024, the male resident said, “It’s never enough.” Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications and External Affairs Joe Izbrand provided a summary of the actions taken by the UTSA Police Department, UTSA Public Safety and UTSA leadership as a result of the incident. According to Izbrand’s statement, since Oct. 6, UTSAPD has worked closely A view from inside the University Oaks apartment complex, where residents share safety concerns. with other law enforcement agencies and Stephanie Schoenborn notified University everyone safe.” implemented additional patrols during the Oaks residents of engagement and Some of the University Oaks residents evening hours, including vehicle, bicycle training opportunities from UTSA Public have taken their own measures to secure and foot patrols. Safety, increased police presence from 10 their apartments. The female resident commented on p.m. to 2 p.m. daily and increased camera “We put an alarm on our door,” the whether she felt safe as a result of the coverage. female resident stated. “But we’re gonna increased police presence. “It’s been five months,” the female have to use a community bat and put it “It didn’t,” she said. “It didn’t make me resident said. “You mean to tell me out of in our living room. And if something safe. The guy is still out there. So why on all the resources that UTSA can offer, and happens, we’re just gonna have to get earth are you gonna praise and do all these with SAPD, you mean to tell me it’s taking physical.” things — the guy is still out there.” you five months to catch one person? I’m The male resident has not done the Notably, the suspect in this sexual sorry, what kind of BS is that? same. assault case is still at large. “If it’s taking you this long, what “No, I have not. I have not added UTSA leadership sent out an email on makes you think the rest of us as students anything besides what the apartment Oct. 7 containing reporting and advocacy are gonna be able to feel comfortable in comes with — just the regular cross lock, resources, mental health resources and relying on our resources for protection? safety resources. The message also What makes you think that we’re going and that’s it,” he said. Neither he nor his roommate were aware highlighted the Take Back the Night event, to be just completely relaxed? No, we’re of residents placing alarms or weapons in Green Dot bystander training and Equal not.” Opportunity Services. The male resident shared his thoughts their apartments to protect themselves. “My own personal tip is to watch Throughout October, UTSA Public on the effectiveness of the increased my back at all times when I am in the Safety shared safety resources in Campus security camera usage. residence. Make sure my car is locked Link, the weekly student newsletter. They “No, it’s ridiculous,” he said. “Two when I’m walking back to my apartment; brought awareness to campus safety points: It’s ridiculous that it takes an make sure I’m watching my back,” he escorts, self-defense classes, emergency incident for an increase in security blue phones and more. and thinking that for added security, stated. “I might be followed or something Additionally, UTSA Chief of Police surveillance cameras [are] enough to keep like that, but that’s pretty much it.”
When asked if she encouraged other residents to get their security systems for their apartments, the female resident revealed how she acquired her alarm in the first place. “That’s the thing. I didn’t even need to,” she said. “They did it themselves. The way I got the alarm: I was walking to work, and a group of girls came up to me, and they were like, ‘Hey, we heard what happened. We’re passing out the alarms. Here, for you and your roommates, stay safe.’ And I was like, ‘Okay, bet, and I gave my alarm to — I had two alarms, right — I gave the other one to my neighbor.” Izbrand emphasized in his statement, “UTSA Public Safety continues to provide proactive resources and safety support for students.” Including the aforementioned resources, he shared that more could be found on the UTSA Public Safety website, UTSAPD could be found on multiple social media sites and UTSA Public Safety has launched the app SafeZone, which makes emergency services easier to access. Neither the male resident or his roommate have downloaded the SafeZone app. He responded, “Definitely, definitely,” upon inquiries of University Oaks residents still being on edge since last October. “Before that, I wouldn’t have to worry so much about my surroundings.” “The fact that I have to go get a bat, a weapon or a taser to truly protect my friends and my home here that live with me, it’s, it’s — I’m tryna find the word for it — not astonishing, not annoying, not a nuisance, it’s all of the above,” the female resident said. “It’s just dangerous, you know?” This remains an active investigation, so UTSAPD is limited in what can be shared at this time; however, they continue to provide supportive measures to the survivor, according to Izbrand.