Westboro-Clayton Reactions: 'It Must Be a Hoax'

Numerous people have been using social media in reaction to the announcement that members of the Westboro Baptist Church plan to protest at next week. Here's a look at how some of them responded on Twitter and Facebook.

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TWITTER

@MariaChappelleN Students, community at-large should have a counter protest to SUPPORT gay-straight alliances. #GoGreyhounds!

@CaptainRaoul: "Next Monday Fred Phelps & The Westboro Baptist Church are protesting at Clayton High School. Let's make some funny signs & counterprotest!"

@PatMcGonigleNBC: "The widely, widely reviled Westboro Baptist plans to protest outside Clayton High School Monday after Super Bowl."

@jenniferemccoy: "It must be a hoax that Westboro Baptist Church is planning to protest tolerance at my children's eventual high school in Clayton, MO?"

@megmck1239: "Westboro Baptist Church is going to picket Clayton High School? HUH? Where did they get THAT idea?! So random! #confused"

@ellaroserainbow: "NOOO! we aren't fighting back, everyone is just wearin white RT @rubyruby2times Westboro Baptist Church will be at Clayton High on February 6th protesting. #bringit"

@theodoramarie: "Westboro Baptist Church is coming to Clayton High School Feb 6. Who wants to go with me for a counter protest?"

FACEBOOK
"I intend to change my schedule for Monday February 6th 2012 to allow time for me to go to Clayton High School to show support for the High School against the venom put out by the Westboro Baptist Church. Westboro Baptist Church is guaranteed free speech by our US Constitution and so am I!! I wish others in all communities would support Clayton High School!!"
— Patrick Cullen

"So, who is available next Monday morning, early, to go hang-out by Clayton High School? (and maybe carry a sign or two)"
— A Eugene Potchen Webb

More than 20 comments were posted on the Facebook page of the School District of Clayton in response to a message updating people on the protest. Among them:

"They (Westboro) thrive on media coverage, ignore them and let the police handle it. And allow extra time for traffic!"
— Merrily LeMasters Stanley

"I want to applaud Clayton for being an inclusive school district that teaches understanding and acceptance rather than hate."
— Sara Mueller Savat

"The plan thus far is that "Love Conquers Hate" t-shirts will be on sale this upcoming Friday at school for people to wear to the protest the following Monday. It will be a peaceful protest, so we will be reminding the students, and all other participants to be aware of that. This means no signs (because we can't control the messages people put on them), no shouting at the WBC, no throwing things, and no obscene behaviors in general. When the WBC will be present at school, the plan is that we will have donation booths set up. These donation booths will be towards organizations that the WBC targets. This allows us to make a point and be active, be peaceful, and promote love instead of hate."
— Sydney Wright