LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18)– A very special guest was on the campus of Sayre School.
Judy Shepard spoke to a large group Tuesday about her son Matthew Shepard, a Laramie Wyoming College student whose murder inspired the Federal Hate Crime Prevention Act.
Her message is one of understanding, compassion, and acceptance in order to erase hate.
Through the Matthew Shepard Foundation, Judy continues to share her son’s story and works to change the hearts and minds of others to simply accept everyone.
“Let’s just respect folks at the very least,” Judy said. “Maybe one day we can embrace them for who they really are, that would be brilliant. Ignorance is at the root of it all so let’s just figure it out”
Tuesday’s event coincides with Sayre’s production of “The Laramie Project”. It will run from March 15 through the 17 at the Downtown Arts Center.
The play, written in 2000, is based on the reaction to the 1998 murder of Matthew.
Students at @sayreschool sitting in on a speech from Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard – killed in 1998 in Laramie, WY, in a hate crime due to his homosexuality. She is sharing a powerful message of respect. More coming on @LEX18News #MatthewShepard pic.twitter.com/VQfnuV4gcE
— Claire Crouch (@clairecrouch) March 12, 2019
Mrs. Shepard has been emotional throughout her speech – showing students the pain hatred causes…even decades after loss. She encourages the students to vote and be informed citizens. @sayreschool is preparing to put on a production of the #LaramieProject based on Matthew’s life pic.twitter.com/staYGioAvq
— Claire Crouch (@clairecrouch) March 12, 2019