Actually, the one over by SMU is closer to Oak Lawn. But then they would be dealing with UP cops instead of Dallas cops. And that could get unpleasant.
The one by SMU wouldn’t be used by protestors to start, yeah. But the one on Central is maybe a mile away.
UP cops will pretty much tell you to GFO of “the bubble” with many “escorts”. I had a place in the 90’s on the fringe of Oak Lawn and Highland Park. Good times back then. In fact, I still haven’t encountered any obnoxious behavior in that area. I don’t encounter very many “militant” gays or fems in the DFW area. Concealed carry pretty much deters such nonsense ‘round here. We also have a healthy chaser of manners required.