An area police department is preparing for a what could be a controversial demonstration.
A release from Sedalia Chief of Police Matthew Wirt on the department’s Facebook page says “We are aware of the planned demonstration on (Thursday) May 2 in Sedalia by Westboro Baptist Church (of Topeka, Kansas). The Sedalia Police Department respects the lawful exercise of people’s First Amendment rights to demonstrate. We will be at both locations to preserve the peace, protect life and prevent the destruction of property. We “Protect and Serve” all citizens of Sedalia and those that visit our city. Peaceful demonstrations must refrain from unlawful acts and/or violence.”
According to information on the Westboro Baptist Church’s website, church members are scheduled to preach outside State Fair Community College at 3201 West 16th Street from 2:30 to 3 p.m.; and from 3:15 to 3:45 p.m. outside Smith-Cotton High School.
Sedalia District 200 Superintendent Steven Triplett also has released a statement that says- in part- “I want to assure all of you that district and high school administrators are working with local law enforcement and have developed a plan to limit the impact of the group’s presence on our school community. The protestors will be isolated, and we will protect students from contact with them to the best of our ability.
“We are asking you all to work with us to make Thursday as uneventful as possible. Law-enforcement agencies will be on site to assist us and have asked people to stay away from the school and surrounding areas.”
The demonstration is scheduled to take place on Sedalia 200 district property near Smith-Cotton High School- at the northwest corner of U.S. Highway 65 and Tiger Pride Boulevard.
Triplett also says: “As always, if you have any questions or concerns, call my office at (660) 829-6470.”