The Westboro Baptist Church is planning to protest outside Northwestern High School in Hyattsville on March 1, likely with signs chiding homosexuals.

The church, known for its anti-homosexual stance and for protesting the funerals of fallen soldiers, sent out a press release announcing the protest at Northwestern.

A counter protest is expected from residents of University Park and a contingent from Hyattsville is also planned.

But those speaking out against the WBC protest aren't going in order to stir up fury against the group. Instead, they hope to showcase good things about the school and surrounding communities.

Parental concerns center around providing safety and normalcy on Tuesday for the students," said Irvin Moore, Northwestern PTSA president, in an email to Patch. "It is my understanding that students have decided to use this experience to display positive messages about Northwestern and the community. I do not believe there is an official event surrounding this reponse.
 
"Parents will be on school grounds to support our students and greet them at the beginning of the school day, not to engage in any form of counter protest," he said. "We fully intend to use this time to highlight the many wonderful aspects of Northwestern High School including diversity, a sense of community and the ability turn challenge into a catalyst for change."

A group of supporters is working to fundraise during the protest. Moore and Northwestern Principal Jerome Thomas have made statements that were posted on the HOPE listserv by a PTSA member. You can find more information on the fundraiser and the event there.