I recently promised officers of the Student Government Association and the Muslim Student Association that I would address hateful speech that many of us were exposed to from forces outside of the university during the Grace Chapel discussion.
Today is a good time to do that because I’m told we have another wave heading our way.
Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka has posted on social media and has told University Police that its members will be picketing here tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 20) at 21st and Oliver to protest the university’s inclusion efforts. They were not invited to protest here, contrary to social media posts by the group.
If you are unfamiliar with the Westboro group, they regularly picket in public spaces and events, such as soldiers’ funerals, with signage that expresses hatred of LGBTQ individuals and of those of us who support a diverse society. The messages and demeanor of this group are purposefully provocative.
Wichita State does not in any way support or condone the messages this group will be bringing to our campus. We stand with our students in the belief that increased diversity is a vital and welcome component of a healthy learning environment. As our Strategic Plan states, we strive to “be a campus that reflects – in staff, faculty and students – the evolving diversity of society.”
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees Westboro members’ rights to share their views in public places, no matter how distasteful we may find those views. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the 2011 case Snyder v. Phelps that Westboro’s rights are protected by the First Amendment because they address issues of public concern and are doing so on public property (see details at http://1.usa.gov/1OThQ3a).
They have a right to speak, but no right to an audience.
Because Westboro thrives on the conflict and anger of others – and the media coverage that it generates – it is my fervent wish that WSU students, faculty and staff not engage in any way with this group. Ignoring their protest deprives them of the fuel that drives their cause.
Should you feel moved to engage with the protesters, it is important that you not stoop to their level with anger and hate. If you believe that you will be hurt or offended by the messages of this protest and may not be able to control your anger when faced with theirs, you should consider avoiding the protest altogether.
We cannot control their actions — but we must control our own.
In the recent controversy over removing the pews in Grace Chapel, some student leaders were targeted in ugly correspondence and social media posts. I received it, too. I’ve been around long enough to have experienced this many times in my life and career. When you’re in the middle of a controversial issue, people who are strongly opposed sometimes personalize their anger.
I’m sorry that the students who stood up for their beliefs felt hurt or afraid because of the messages they received. This university strives in every way to provide a sense of safety. I asked the University Police Department and our legal counsel to review the communications received to see if there were actions the university should take to seek the arrest and prosecution of those sending the unwelcome correspondence and social media posts. In each case, the writings reviewed were First Amendment-protected free speech.
To live principled lives sometimes means clashing with those who believe otherwise. I hope we’ll all look back on this period not just as a time of conflict, but as a time of learning and growing.
If you have additional thoughts on these matters, email president@wichita.edu.
Sincerely,
John Bardo
President