Rapid City School Responds to Free Speech Lawsuit

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) - The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology says it will not back off on its stance that a Christian evangelist who wants to speak on campus must pay a $50 fee for an area inside the student union.

Mark Gavin is suing the school, saying it has infringed on his right to free speech by not allowing him to preach in open areas around campus. He's seeking the right to do that, along with court-related fees.

The Rapid City Journal reports that the school has filed a response to the lawsuit, saying it has a clear policy for people wishing to speak on campus and that the policy is fairly administered. The school denies violating Gavin's First Amendment rights.

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