As a result of UMass sophomore basketball player Derrick Gordon’s announment that he is openly gay, the Westboro Baptist Church has announced they will be protesting the UMass campus.

Westboro is of course the notorious church that has some radical ideals such as its stance on the gay community. Widely considered a “hate group,” the church is best known for these protests in the public forum toward anything they see in their eyes as ungodly.

The UMass campus has responded by organizing a movement of their own called UMass United: #StandwithDerrick. The acceptance of their colleague speaks volumes to the UMass campus’ character in the face of adversity. Gordon hasn't commented on any of the actions that have occurred today, but you have to imagine he is incredibly humbled and appreciative of his community for standing by him in this incredible difficult situation.

There is no indication how long the church will protect on the campus, but the turnout for Gordon has been impressive and greatly outnumbers the church goers. Gordon is the first openly gay Division-I basketball player to make his sexual orientation made public.

Give us a shoutout in the comments below and follow us @SportsWN and @Edler56