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Wednesday, November 04, 2015


Dear Parents:We have recently learned that the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC), an organization the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) describes as “a small, virulently homophobic, anti-Semitic hate group,” will be picketing on public property near our DC campus between 7:15 and 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11. The group’s ideology is antithetical to the testimonies on equality and community and violates the central Quaker tenant that the divine is present in each person.WBC contends that God is punishing the United States for promoting homosexuality. Devoted to a “picketing ministry,” WBC members routinely demonstrate near schools, government buildings, and cemeteries, where they display graphic signs and shout hateful messages at passersby. In recent years, the group has protested at funeral services held for soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, and has contended that “God hates” the fallen because the United States supports gay and lesbian rights. In addition, WBC has disparaged Catholics, Jews, Lutherans, Muslims, and Quakers, among other groups.WBC states that it does not “believe in physical violence of any kind” and has not violated this principle at its demonstrations. The organization normally restricts its tactics to verbal abuse and intimidation. We expect the number of picketers to be modest and do not anticipate them to be physically threatening. We have, nevertheless, informed law enforcement officials, including the Metropolitan and Montgomery County Police Departments, about WBC’s plans. In an abundance of care and caution, we will also have additional security officers on both the Edgemoor and Wisconsin Avenue campuses on November 11.Westboro last picketed near Sidwell Friends in 2009. A handful of WBC members gathered across the street from Zartman House, where they brandished signs and shouted hateful messages. Prior to this demonstration, Upper School students approached the School administration with a proposal for how they might protest WBC’s presence. As WBC members picketed, a group of students and teachers gathered in silence on the front lawn of Zartman House and held signs reading, “There is that of God in everyone.” The students’ well-conceived plan was an extraordinary display of nonviolent Quaker witness.Today, I informed Upper School students of Westboro’s intentions, spoke briefly about our Quaker heritage of peaceful protest, and raised some queries for consideration. A copy of my remarks can be found here.The ADL discourages people from directly engaging picketers, largely because WBC would like nothing more than to pull people into a debate that would generate media attention. The fact that children often participate in its picketing can goad opponents into animated exchanges. Should students want to find creative, nonviolent, and safe methods for responding to WBC, the administration stands ready to advise them. Upper School students should speak directly to Mamadou Guèye, Michael Woods, and Philip McAdoo; Middle School students should approach Sally Selby, who plans to speak with students later this week. In addition, Sally will be in touch should the WBC demonstration require the Middle School to make alterations to morning carpool. We do not feel it is necessary to discuss WBC with Lower School students; however, Lower School faculty and staff will be prepared to talk with the children should the need arise and will communicate with parents should conversations occur.Philip McAdoo, our Director of Equity, Justice, and Community, is helping to shape the School’s response and, as always, is available to students, parents, faculty, and staff. For advice on how to conduct a discussion with your children about hate groups, you might this ADL publication to be helpful.Please feel free to contact your child’s principal, Philip, or me should you have any concerns or need additional information.In peace and friendship,Bryan


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