Hundreds of students gathered on Library Mall Tuesday to watch evangelical street preacher Cindy Smock, better known as Sister Cindy, urge students to repent for their sexual and spiritual sins and embrace Jesus Christ.
Smock is popular on social media, amassing over 400,000 followers on TikTok, where she shares her Evangelical Christian beliefs and her “Ho No Mo” message that encourages modesty and abstinence. The University of Wisconsin-Madison was the twelfth stop on the Sister Cindy and Friends Fall 2025 Tour, with appearances also at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Library Mall was also populated by pro-life activists debating students. Although neither organization is affiliated with Smock, she did voice agreement with things she heard from the group. Turning Point USA was also working to register voters nearby.
Poking fun at her student audience, Smock referred to Tuesday’s visit as “Slut Shaming 101.”
Smock has been visiting college campuses for more than four decades, including frequent visits to the UW-Madison campus, beginning in 1979 with her late husband Jed Smock.
“Even right here in Wiscon-SIN, this liberal, atheistic-agnostic state,” Smock told The Daily Cardinal, “Gen Z is turning from the hoe life to follow Jesus.”
Smock said her own “sinful” past was her inspiration for turning students away from premarital sex and promiscuity.
“Back when I was a hoe, I had an abortion, and I regret it to this day,” she said, warning students against abortions and emphasizing the rewarding nature of motherhood, as well as options like adoption and foster care.
Smock said that while someone can be a “physical virgin,” they can still be a “spiritual hoe,” a lifestyle she defined as partying and dressing in revealing clothing, which she believes attracts unwanted male attention.
“Ladies, these boys are penises with arms and legs,” Smock said. “Help them out by covering up.”
Despite “slut-shaming” women, Smock also defended women, saying “just because a girl is dressed like a hoe, it doesn’t necessarily mean she wants to do you.”
Smock highlighted the importance of spreading her message on college campuses, telling the Cardinal she “gets students thinking.”
However, many UW-Madison students said they attended the event simply for entertainment, not to genuinely absorb her teachings.
“It’s really funny. I don’t believe in her beliefs at all, but it's just kind of fucking crazy to listen to,” Blu Ginko, a freshman at the UW-Madison, told the Cardinal. “I don't really think [her message] has a real effect on people.”
While the crowd actively participated in cheers and chants during the event, many said they were poking fun at Smock and her beliefs.
“The way the crowd sounds… that sounds like it’s mockery,” Kylee VanPatten, a freshman at UW-Madison, told the Cardinal.
Ginko highlighted his concerns regarding Smock’s religious messages, drawing attention to its absurdity.
“I think, if God does exist, he doesn't care about telling people what to do,” Ginko said. “When people care about telling other people what to do to this extent, to me, it's just absurd.”
While her preaching has been viewed as controversial and extreme, Smock said her message can apply to anyone, and that it is never too late to repent and embrace Christ.
“Don’t get triggered,” Smock said. “Jesus loves the hoes.”
Zoey Elwood is copy chief for The Daily Cardinal. She also covers state news.
