Students gathered to counter-protest religious demonstrator Daniel John Lee, who was carrying a banner listing groups whom he believed were “going 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 counter-protesters.
“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.”
As protests erupt across the U.S., people are finding new ways to more effectively advocate their values and beliefs.
