The following text is taken, as appears, on a statement distributed at North High School.

On Friday, Dec. 7, a group of national protesters, may be picketing several sites in Omaha, including North High. They are doing this because fo the accomplishments and friends that Brad Fuglei had at this school.

Regardless of our individual religious beliefs concerning homosexuality, the North high Family is united because we cannot condone the hatred this group wishes to spread.

The leader of this group, Fred Phelps of Topeka, KS, is coming to purposely cause anger and hurt. Freedom of Speech allows him to do this on public sidewalks but not on North property. The group's goal is to make us lose control and have us physically or verbally confront them, proving their point. We cannot allow them this satisfaction. The best thing to do is to totally ignore their presence and act as if we don't even see them. Usually, if no response or attention is given, they will consider their effort a failure and leave.

You can expect that they will be peaceful and obey the law, but they will bring unbelievably offensive signs, some of which may have Brad's picture on them with a derogatory statement. These signs will make you want to react, but remember that is exactly what they want.

We must all try hard on Friday to prove to Phelps, the press, and the community that North High is a caring place. We refuse to perpetuate hatred or be moved to violence. Instead of allowing their anger to crush us, we can use this as another opportunity to show that North High is a good place to be. If they do come on Friday, it will be hard for all of us to ignore them, but we can do it together. We are asking that everyone show their united spirit by wearing blue and yellow on Friday.

If you have questions about this situation, please talk to your counselor or other trusted staff members.

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