I understand that some of these petitioners are here to make a change within the government or city we live in, but it does not excuse the abrasive or rude tactics they use to get our attention.

As a student here at Rio Hondo, I know that the campus is home to a variety of organizations and students, but one thing I do not understand is why are there petitioners on campus?

A number of students, as well as myself, try to evade these people at all costs, but sometimes their swift maneuvers catch us by surprise and put us in the awkward position of trying to escape.  

In the most polite way possible, I try to excuse myself from the conversation by saying, “No thank you,” or even try apologizing that I don’t have time to participate. If you are lucky, then you can take a deep breath of relief when you successfully evade the petitioners without some kind of conflict, but if you are not so lucky, you have to try and move past them while they block your way.

When I continue to say “no” and am continually harassed by these people, I can’t help but make the connection that these petitioners have some of the qualities of  rapists. They certainly do not take “no” for an answer and their delivery on getting you to participate in an activity is meant with an unpleasant forcefulness.

When I come to get an education, I should not have to worry about these people harassing me or making other people uncomfortable with their nasty tactics.

It’s not a pleasant situation when you feel attacked by some guy or girl holding a clipboard blocking your way from freedom.

I believe that campus officials should take a close look at the effects these people have on students and whether or not these petitioners do more good than harm.