They're coming to Great Neck next Friday, September 25, 2009. They're scheduled to protest outside several schools and Synagogues, just as they let out. Here's a letter that's been sent out by the school district:
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Dear School Community Member:
Within the last few days the school district has been alerted by the Nassau County Police Department to the fact that a notorious “hate group” from Topeka, Kansas will be demonstrating at several locations in Great Neck on Friday, September 25, 2009. This group, the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC), is a small, very extreme group that travels around the country with the intent of provoking a physical reaction that will allow them to sue the municipalities and individuals who have reacted to their hateful message. The group is well
represented legally and has effectively manipulated our legal system in other locales. The locations and announced times where they will be demonstrating next Friday are:
1:30 p.m. – 2:10 p.m. North Shore Hebrew Academy (High School)
2:25 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. Great Neck North High School
2:55 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Long Island Jewish World
6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Temple Beth El
6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Great Neck Synagogue
6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Temple Israel of Great Neck
Since learning of this group’s plans, the school district has initiated several actions and we have also collaborated with all of the entities involved, including the police and the Town of North Hempstead. This group effort has obviously had the extreme opposite effect on the
WBC’s intent, as it has strengthened bonds within our community and united us in our efforts to protect our children and further preserve our community.
At North High School, several educational efforts have already taken place and others are planned. Parents will hear from the school next week on these efforts. We are also gauging the potential impact at North Middle School and a Monday, September 21 morning meeting
with Nassau County Police will focus on our efforts at meeting all of that school’s needs. Our other schools have been informed of this event and the district’s resources will be marshaled on this day in any means necessary. Subsequent to our meeting on Monday with the police, any appropriate further information will be shared on our website.
There are two forces that are guaranteed to make this odious group’s efforts entirely unsuccessful. The first is education and we will use this troubling occurrence to make our children even better students and citizens. The second force is silence, and if this group is met
with no reaction, they are likely to retreat quickly and quietly. They feed on attention. The district will give them none. I ask you to do the same.
On a personal note, I am committed to the physical and emotional well-being of every child in this fine school district. Because of the quality of our professional staff, and the support of this community, I am very confident in stating that the district, with your assistance, will safeguard our children in all ways possible on this day and the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Thomas P. Dolan
Superintendent of Schools
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Now I can understand that these nutsos thrive on attention. But on the other hand, I think a good counter-protest is in order. It would also be a good way of promoting JTF to Great Neck residents.
What do you guys think?