This afternoon many of us received an email from the President of Diversity Affairs regarding the new ” We’ve Got Your Back Pledge”. In case you haven’t had the chance to read the pledge, or you didn’t get an email (there is a link below) the “We’ve Got Your Back Pledge” is a campaign that is committed to welcoming and supporting all people into the community of Miami University. The campaign is sponsored by the Miami University Associated Student Government and the goal is to get 100% student participation. It is their hope that the campaign will create a community in which everyone feels free to stand up for what they believe in and celebrate individuality.
I think that this pledge is an excellent non violent way to approach the upcoming visit from the Westboro Baptist Church. Many people suggest that we interact with the protestors but I think the easiest and most painless way to react to their picket is for all students to pledge that they will not participate in the protest in any way. I believe that they have every right to be here however I also think that they picket to get media attention and by boycotting them we will show that we do not support the values and morals they stand for.
Here is the pledge which will be printed out and posted before the Westboro Baptist Church arrives on campus October 25. “Therefore, I pledge, out of respect for the Miami and Oxford community, and to show my support for the “We’ve Got Your Back” campaign, to avoid directly engaging with the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) during their planned protest on campus. While I fully support their First Amendment rights, I do not support hatred or oppression aimed at members of our community.”
Click here to sign the pledge
Freedom of the First Amendment 