American University in the District will not allow members of the controversial Westboro Baptist Church on campus Friday when the group plans to picket the school. According to WRC-TV, Channel 4 News, AU President Neil Kerwin says in a statement that the group is “not invited or sponsored by AU” and while they are permitted to be on public property “they will not be permitted on the university’s campus, which is private property.” Kerwin says the university condemns, the “intolerant positions and uncivil actions” of the group, even as it respects their freedom of expression. On Friday, Westboro also plans to picket the Kennedy Center, where a memorial for Richard Holbrooke will being held, along with the Islamic Center in DC. The church is known for its protests at military funerals and other events because of what they say is America’s tolerance for homosexuality.
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