Vassar Alum and the Trevor Project

Parent Cafe
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<p>The Westboro Baptist Church has announced that they will picket Vassar College on Feb 28th. In response, Vassar alums are raising money for the Trevor Project, “the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.” Their goal was to raise $4,500, or $100 per minute that the WBC is planning to protest for. In two days, they’ve surpassed their goal and raised almost $60,000.</p>

<p>[Vassar</a> College Students Raise Thousands In Response To Westboro Protest Threat](<a href=“Vassar College Students Raise Thousands In Response To Westboro Protest Threat | HuffPost Voices”>Vassar College Students Raise Thousands In Response To Westboro Protest Threat | HuffPost Voices)</p>

<p>[Counter-protest</a> the WBC at Vassar College | Josh de Leeuw’s Fundraiser on CrowdRise](<a href=“Crowdrise + GoFundMe”>Crowdrise + GoFundMe)</p>

<p>What a great example of an alumni community coming together to promote inclusion and tolerance!</p>

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<p>Anything that counters the Westboro Baptist Church is OK in my book.</p>

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<p>While the fund raising result is terrific, unfortunately, the Westboro wackos got just what they wanted, a big reaction and a bunch of publicity. I think this group, which is just a family with a few followers, is best handled by being ignored completely–no acknowledgement of their plans or their presence whatsoever, same way you’d treat a toddler having a tantrum.</p>

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<p>I actually think it’s quite the opposite. The groups’s name is barely being mentioned, and The Trevor Project is getting great publicity and donations.</p>

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<p>When Westboro picked our local HS for present The Laramie Project, we had the same advise as MommaJ. Given them no attention, as they thrive on attention, counter demonstrations, and hopefully someone stepping over the line so they can sue. They knew they’d get no attention, and as a result barely showed up. And in my city, we’re good at demonstrations! </p>

<p>However, the Vassar tie in to the Trevor Project has taken on an amazing life of its own, and hopefully will benefit many teens, for years to come.</p>