Schedule of Whitworth's response to Oct. 21 WBC demonstration

Following is Whitworth’s response (developed and endorsed collaboratively by the university and AWSU) to the demonstration Westboro Baptist Church has announced for 12:30-1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 21. It is our hope that the activities below will present a clear and unified demonstration of love and respect for all members of the Whitworth community.

In addition to these scheduled activities, we encourage students, faculty and staff to wear red clothing all day on Thursday to show our solidarity in lifting up the values of Whitworth University.

Wednesday, Oct. 20:

• All day: Prepare a large banner to present during the demonstration as a visible sign of Whitworth’s opposition to the WBC message. The banner will be available in the HUB throughout Wednesday, Oct. 20, for people to sign and write messages.
• 9:45 p.m.: Gather in the chapel the night before the protest for a prayer vigil to ask God to work through us for His glory.

Thursday, Oct. 21:

• Show our solidarity by wearing red clothing throughout the day.
• 11-11:30 a.m.: Chapel service in Seeley Mudd Chapel. The service will be devoted to prayer, singing – led by the Gospel Choir – and communion. People are invited to take part as they are able.
• 11 a.m.-1 p.m.:“Love Run (Or Walk)” fundraiser at Boppell Track to raise money for the YMCA and YWCA of Spokane. Students, faculty and staff are invited to come to the Whitworth track any time between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and walk or run in honor of a worthy cause. Those unable to run/walk can cheer from the stands. Pledge forms are available in the HUB this week for participants to use to get sponsors. Collection buckets also will be available at the track on Thursday.

• 12:30-1 p.m.: ASWU leaders, representing the student body, as well as faculty and staff representatives will present the signed banner during the WBC demonstration. Banner-holders will receive prior training in non-violent demonstration and will commit to not engaging the WBC protesters directly.

Whether the protesters show up or not, and regardless of what they say, this is an opportunity for us to affirm together our deepest community commitments. Whitworth students have demonstrated tremendous leadership in outlining a plan that rallies the campus community around our mission to honor God, follow Christ and serve humanity. And there’s never a bad reason to lift up the mission.


Josh Boyden
ASWU President


Beck Taylor
Whitworth University President