Schools

Nyack Students: Ignore Protesters, See Play Instead

The Westboro Baptist Church is planning to picket Nyack High School's fall play—and students say ignoring them is the best course of action.

Nyack High School students are advocating a specific approach to the —pay them no attention at all.

Student organizations like the Drama Club and Gay Straight Alliance believe counter-protesting the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC)—a group that often pickets soldiers' funerals and believes God hates gays, lesbians and transgenders—would simply add fuel to the fire.

"Do not go and counter protest the Westboro Baptist Church," the organizations are telling students, parents and residents through e-mail. "They... just want the attention and coverage. The best thing we can do is ignore them. Please tell your parents, friends and family not to counter protest. Just go and support the play."

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According to the WBC website, the protest will take place Saturday from 7:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. The play is slated for 8 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday night.

School officials at first noted the protesters would not be allowed on campus; now, officials are making sure the ban would be completely legal.

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"This is a group that likes to find loopholes," said Gail Fleur, Nyack Schools' communication director.

The Laramie Project—which chronicles the 1998 assault and murder of University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard—often elicits WBC protests because of its message of combating homophobia. As a result, performances of the play often attract WBC members, picket signs and inflammatory sayings in tow.

The WBC has approximately 70 members, and believes God hates Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Barack Obama and others, along with homosexuals.

Joe Egan, the drama director at , said counter-protesting would distract from the play's message and students' hard work.

"It's pointless," he said. "It's not going to get us anywhere. I would rather fill auditorium with 600 people than have people outside protesting—better to come inside and support what the kids are teaching and doing."

Egan noted the play was selected because it was appealing on two fronts.

"[The Laramie Project] is based on an ensemble of actors," he explained. "This year it's a good choice for group of actors we have. Also, we wanted something a little more dramatic and contemporary that kids could relate too."

The students also felt the play could be used to make a difference, Egan said.

"With many suicides happening with gay teens around the country, it's a good way to teach acceptance," he explained.

The  will have a presence at the performance, as well.

"We're planning on having more than one officer there," said Sargent Harry Baumann. "It's as a precaution."

The WBC could not be reached for comment. Their answering machine message directs callers to their many websites, which assail a number of religious groups.


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