Updated at 10:58 p.m., Oct. 19
Click here for continuing coverage of today’s events at Cupertino High School.
Updated at 11:52 p.m., Oct. 17
Unite Cupertino has released final guidelines for the silent counter-protest set to occur on Wednesday morning.
Updated at 1:36 p.m., Oct. 17
According to The Prospector, CHS Principal Kami Tomberlain would like to discuss protocol and expectations of the counter-protest in an assembly on Tuesday, Oct. 18.
On Thursday, Oct. 14, the Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church issued a press release announcing that it would be picketing at Cupertino High School on Oct. 19 from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. This followed an earlier announcement on the same day stating that the church will be holding a “memorial service” for the late Steve Jobs at the Apple Campus from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
The press releases, which can be found on the church’s website, God Hates Fags, denounce CHS teachers and parents for corrupting students and state that Steve Jobs is in Hell.
“You brutish teachers and hateful parents have broken the moral compass of this generation, teaching rebellion with everything you say and do,” says one of the press releases.
The Westboro Baptist Church is known for its extreme stance on homosexuality and controversial picketing at the funerals of deceased homosexuals, soldiers, and law enforcement officers. It has previously picketed at Bay Area high schools in the past, such as Gunn High School in the spring of 2010 to spread anti-gay sentiment, which resulted in a peaceful counter-protest organized by Gunn students.
A Tumblr blog named Unite Cupertino has been set up by senior Christina Aguila with more information of a silent protest scheduled to occur at 8 a.m. on Wednesday.
News of the church’s intentions has led to a counter-protest to be organized by CHS students via Facebook, and they are currently discussing further action.
Check back for continued coverage of this developing story.
Cupertino High School
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