This is in reference to the upcoming protest by Westboro Baptist Church. I am an alum and the parent of a current student. More importantly, I am opposed to the use of small-minded hatred in any form. I haven’t been a “good” alum — not a lot of visits or contributions — but I do send my daughter to Virginia Tech and still find comfort amidst the gray stones when I visit her there. I am one of those who think that being a Hokie means avoiding the bright lights in favor of quiet excellence in the pursuit of duty. Old fashioned, maybe, but great nonetheless.
I think that the student body should reach out to us on this one (and we should reach out to you) to present a wall of unassuming rejection to this type of ignorance and hatred. I believe such a response is best demonstrated by totally nonviolent, silent vigil in the face of their folly. Further, I believe that an effective, powerful response would use the very presence of their hate to empower those whom they seek to destroy.
Therefore, for every WBC member who shows up, I plan to donate a small amount to Hillel@Tech and to the LBGTA at Virginia Tech. And I ask for other alums to join me, please, in welcoming the WBC visitors — not with angry words or reciprocal signs, but with silent rejection and a donation intended to strengthen that which they intend to destroy.
I will make my donation, albeit quietly, and know that I used their weight against them. All I ask is for someone from LGBTA or Hillel to provide me with an honest count of WBC members present on my Facebook page.
Students, whatever you do, be careful. Do not become the story. Do not become the hater. Do not become the victim.
But stand. You can always tell who is leading by who stands tallest and firmest when things are dark and chaotic.
It’s time to stand.
Jay Pittman
’87 Alum Computer Science
A version of this article appeared in the Mar 30 issue of the Collegiate Times.
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Don't tolerate free speech at Tech? Is that what you mean? WBC has a right to protest, so let them...Look, I hate these idiots as much of the next guy, but I recognize that they're idiots. Just ignore them, they aren't worth your time! The fact that you wrote an article about this proves to me that you either are just seeking donations for Hillel (I doubt this is the case) or that the WBC is really getting inside your head.
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Mr. Pittman is trying to turn a negative event into something positive. I think it's wonderful that he wrote this letter to the students, and I hope that the student body as a whole reacts the same way. He's not writing against the WBC's right to protest...instead of listening to their words of disgust and hate, he's encouraging communities and groups that they target to stand strong. Think before you write in response to a supportive alumni. Mr. Pittman, the students appreciate your letter. Thank you you for writing to us!
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