The Westboro Baptist Church has announced it will picket Vassar College on February 28 because of the school’s reputation as a gay-friendly institution. (We realize that’s a lame reason to demonstrate, but this is WBC we’re talking about.)
But, making lemonade out of lemons, the Vassar community quickly sprung into action. Vassar President John Chenette addressed the planned demonstration in a statement:
In the face of Westboro’s statements, we want to celebrate the inclusiveness of our community and the multitude of backgrounds, interests, and preferences that enrich our experiences. In an effort to coordinate activities that members of the campus and alumnae/i communities are planning, the senior staff of the college has organized a group representative of students, faculty, staff, and alumnae/i to serve as a clearinghouse and sounding board. I know they will foster an array of events that will speak powerfully to our values.
If you have ideas you would like to share with the coordinating group, please send them to its email account, [email protected].
Judging from the flood of comments so far, they probably cannot respond to everyone; but they will read and consider each contribution as the plans develop. We look forward to sharing more specifics with you soon.
One group started a fundraising drive for the Trevor Project, which provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBT youth.” Currently, the campaign has garnered more than $20,000 in donations.
If you’d like to help make that number higher, you can donate here.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
nicoleg
The Vassar community is also exchanging ideas for more charity giving on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/events/455838981135995/
Rebecca_SmithVC
Please check out our student led organization Do Something VC: We are on Facebook and Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/DoSomethingVC AND https://twitter.com/Do_Something_VC
Do Something VC is a student led group that supports and celebrates the diversity of Vassar students, faculty, administrators, staff, alumnae/i, the greater Poughkeepsie community, and peer institutions; aims to facilitate understanding, solidarity, and mindful discussion around issues of identity, power, and oppression; takes peaceful and thoughtful action to promote equality, acceptance, and social justice through dialogue, outreach, education, art, and the media.
This is about us, not them.
Please support our cause and send us your ideas at [email protected]