Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College and Morehouse College prepare for ‘hate group’ protestors at graduation ceremonies

Westboro Baptist Church says that it will be protesting the graduation ceremonies of Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College and Spelman College on Sunday, May 19, for its LGBTQ-friendly environment.

All Atlanta-based, historically-black institutions founded under Christian denominations and part of the Atlanta University Center (AUC), they are being targeted by the Westboro Baptist group that claims they violate Christian principles. Designated by the Southern Poverty Law Center as a hate group, Westboro Baptist says it will protest the HBCUs for the following:

For Spelman, its their Women’s Research and Resource Center of Spelman including the LGBTQ+ organization, Afrekete.

For Morehouse, its their recent transgender admittance policies. As well, the former POTUS, Barack Obama, will be delivering the commencement speech. Westboro calls him a “fierce advocate for Sodomites.”

For Clark Atlanta University, its for the speaker at the graduation, Rev. Ken Walden who they call a “whorish, lying” pastor.

In an update on commencement, Spelman College’s safety director, Steve Browser, posted a release along with the extra measures they will take to prioritize the safety of those in attendance:

We have been made aware that Westboro Baptist Church is promoting their plans to protest at the commencement and baccalaureate services of Spelman, Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University.

Monitored by the FBI and designated a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks extremist groups, Westboro Baptist Church is known for its harsh anti-gay beliefs and the crude signs its members carry at their frequent demonstrations where they provoke and harass to encourage incidents.

Spelman’s graduation will be held at the Georgia International Convention Center, while Morehouse and Clark Atlanta’s will be held on their respective campuses.

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