The story is not quite complete. I disagree with the whole notion of Free Speech zones. However the man soliciting people to pray with him was not a student or otherwise associated with the university. In that case the school had every right to request that he register and complete the paperwork required of any other person or group from outside the campus who wants to use campus space to promote and share his beliefs.
As long as those requirements are neutral and do not place an undue burden on his ability to exercise his First Amendment rights I doubt any violation of those would be found. Campuses and other government bodies can place restrictions on who can enter their facilities and what they are allowed to do there.
Had only students been involved such a request from the administration would be a violation of the students’ First Amendment rights.
A public university receives tax benefits from all of us.
***Campuses and other government bodies can place restrictions on who can enter their facilities and what they are allowed to do there***
I think we are giving away too much freedom of assembly to say that college campuses can restrict usage of the campus to students and faculty only, when seen fit by administrators.
As there are very few if any truly “private” colleges, people have a right to gather there and speak and to engage others.