Regularly churning sermons on the stage outside the Campus Center, preacher Mark Trout has caused a stir at De Anza for over 15 years.

His sermons degrade homosexuality, communism, and women. He says that the campus is “loaded with these persons and ideas.”

When Trout was confronted by a La Voz reporter he said, “You are part of the liberal media … that media is worthless trash … the scum of society … I would not be willing to give you the time of day.”

His beliefs may not be true or even popular, but he does not violate any De Anza campus laws and regulations.

Head of campus security Ben Rodriguez says Trout is allowed on campus if he stays in the designated area on the Campus Center patio stage, but only when the area is not in use by De Anza student activities. If Trout migrates to other parts of the campus, he is asked to leave.

The First Amendment also protects Trout. Some people ponder whether or not Trout’s sermons are free speech or “hateful speech,” which would be a cause for action by campus security.

“There’s been more controversial guests on the campus, worse than Trout,” says Rodriguez.

In January 1998, Trout was charged with trespassing, cited, and released.

Trout’s controversial bible interpretations have infuriated several De Anza students and staff members, but no complaints have been serious enough take legal actions against him. Complaints filed with campus security are handled case by case.