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Campus Rallies to Support Its Own
MAY 10, 2000--With Fred Phelps and members of his Westboro Baptist Church protesting less than 20 yards away, hundreds from the larger Oberlin Community gathered on Tappan Square yesterday at noon to--in the words of President Nancy Dye-- "celebrate our diverse community, every one of whose members is cherished." Dye sent a message to the Oberlin community last week, warning that Phelps was coming, and imploring the campus not to engage the demonstrators.
The picnic and music at the bandstand were sponsored by the Office of Chaplains; Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Union; and Multicultural Resource Center. Members of the Office of the Dean of Students, Office of Chaplains, and staff of the Counseling Center were on hand for consultation during the event and afterwards in Wilder Hall.
Phelps, who came to campus to demonstrate against the College's acceptance of homosexuality, is known for delivering hateful messages and provocative language in an attempt to incite onlookers to lose their tempers and assault his group.
His tactics didn't work at Oberlin.
"I think the prospect of Phelps's visit opened up channels of communication in the Oberlin community, and gave us the chance to express our solidarity," says Protestant chaplain Fred Lassen.
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