Submitted by Charlton Stanley (Otteray Scribe), Guest Blogger
The Laramie Project is a play by Moisés Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project about the torture-murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay University of Wyoming student in 1998. Mutilated and almost dead, he was found tied to a barbed wire fence just outside Laramie, Wyoming. That fence was the inspiration for the play’s logo. Matthew Shepard died of his injuries shortly after being taken to a local hospital. The murder was called a hate crime, but in 1998 there were few hate crime laws, and there was none in Wyoming.
Shortly after Matthew Shepard was killed, Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project went to Laramie and interviewed dozens of local people about the murder. The play draws on over 400 hours of interviews with residents of Laramie, as well as company members’ own journal entries and published news reports. The Laramie Project is divided into three acts. Eight actors portray more than sixty characters in a series of short scenes.
The play has been performed all over the US and internationally as well. Venues have included high schools, colleges, and community theaters across the US. As of this writing, The Laramie Project has also been performed at professional playhouses in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Not surprisingly, Fred Phelps and his merry band of haters have frequently picketed The Laramie Project.
Credit: Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Mississippi
This week, The Laramie Project is on the playbill at the University of Mississippi, known to students and Southeast Conference sports fans as Ole Miss. The play has been well received, and presented without incident until last Tuesday evening. About 20 freshman football players are taking a course in the arts and part of the course requirement is for them to attend a certain number of plays. Tuesday night, the players allegedly instigated a disruption and heckling in the audience. I say “allegedly” because the investigation is still ongoing. Among other things, audience members, allegedly egged on by the players, began yelling homophobic slurs at the cast. Catcalls of “faggot,” “fag,” and worse were heard coming from the group. They encouraged other audience members to join in with the heckling, taking pictures, and generally behaving badly. Play director Rory Ledbetter said the audience reaction was “borderline hate speech.” Cast members and the characters they were portraying were heckled for their body types and sexual orientation, among other things. Ironically, only one member of the cast is gay.
“I am the only gay person on the cast,” Garrison Gibbons said. “I played a gay character in the show, and to be ridiculed like that was something that really made me realize that some people at Ole Miss and in Mississippi still can’t accept me for who I am.”
As soon as theater faculty figured out the heckling had started in the group of football players, House Director Lyda Phillips, who is a theater major and an athletics ambassador, called a coach, who then called Drew Clinton, the Associate Director of Academic Support, asking him to come to the auditorium. According to the person I talked to on campus, he was furious, ordering the student athletes to apologize for their behavior. After the play, the players went backstage to meet with the cast. One of the players acted as spokesman for the group. Some of the cast members cried at the apology.
Ole Miss Theater Department Chair Rene Pulliam was quoted by the Daily Mississippian, the student newspaper, as saying. “…I’m not sure the players truly understood what they were apologizing for.”
Rory Ledbetter told reporters, ““The football players were certainly not the only audience members that were being offensive last night, but they were definitely the ones who seemed to initiate others in the audience to say things, too. It seemed like they didn’t know that they were representing the university when they were doing these things.”
Thursday morning, head football coach Hugh Freeze sent a Tweet that has been picked up by sports media tweeted Thursday morning: “We certainly do not condone any actions that offend or hurt people in any way. We are working with all departments involved to find the facts.”
By way of background, for those who may have seen the movie, The Blind Side, Freeze was Michael Oher’s high school football coach. His real name was not used in the movie; instead, he was called “Coach Cotton.” Freeze has a reputation for being a strong leader who does not tolerate nonsense, and demands his players behave themselves at all times, insisting on excellence both on and off the playing field. As my on-campus informant told me yesterday, “Hugh Freeze is no Joe Paterno.”
The University also issued an open letter to the public and students over the signatures of Chancellor Dan Jones and Athletics Director Ross Bjork. The letter condemns the actions of the group, and makes it clear that such behavior will not be tolerated. The entire letter can be seen here.
The William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation is named after former Governor William Winter. The Institute has been active after other controversial incidents on campus, and I just learned the are now involved with this incident. They are making plans to keep more incidents like this one from happening on campus again. There are plans underway for athletes and students to attend some sort of cultural sensitivity training sessions.
Last spring, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs created the Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT). Its mission is, “…to support the university’s efforts to establish and sustain the university’s expectations around inclusivity and to provide an atmosphere that supports a healthy curricular and co-curricular experience.” BIRT Co-Chair Merrill Magruder said the cast and crew of The Laramie Project have stressed they did not want to see punitive action, but rather make this an educational opportunity for those who were in attendance.
This morning, University officials investigating the incident say they are having difficulty making positive identification of who was involved. For the individuals who have been identified, officials and faculty are not sure about the degree of involvement. Part of the problem is the fact the theater was dark.
Adding to the University administration concern is the fact that October is LGBTQ month at Ole Miss. Last Thursday there was a reception at Bryant Hall. Chancellor Dan Jones, Athletics Director Ross Bjork, and other campus leaders spoke at the reception. Student cast members and faculty advisers were also at the reception. Next week, during LGBTQ month, the University will host Pride Week. The last thing the University administration and student body leadership want is another incident.
At any rate, there will not be enough time to determine exactly who did what, and what must be done before the Auburn game today. In the body of this story I have provided links to the Daily Mississippian so the reader can follow events as news develops.
It will probably be sometime next week before decisions are made. What do you think is the most appropriate way for this university, or any other school, to handle this situation or one like it?
David,
I am familiar with that book. Talk about propaganda!
Jiminez started his “investigation” off based on an anonymous letter. Most, if not all his so-called sources are either anonymous or of questionable credibility. He bases a lot of his speculation (I am not about to call it reporting) on the statements of a limo driver named Doc O’Conner. Jiminez goes on to cite ten “sources.” I am at a loss to understand why he considers ten anonymous sources credible, especially when they are allegedly in the throes of meth addiction.
Jiminez starts his narrative on an assumption that McKinney and Matt knew each other previously and had been doing drugs. There is no credible evidence that is true. The logic is faulty, because if they were having some sort of sexual affair, McKinney tried to use the “gay panic” defense at the trial. The jury didn’t believe him after all the evidence had been presented and vetted in cross examination.
David, you start off with preconceived notions, then scramble around trying to find something that supports your notion. That is not the way to do either law or science. In fact, that is not the way responsible reporters behave, as was discussed in Mike Spindell’s story posted yesterday.
Jiminez’ book is nothing but a compilation of conjecture, unreliable sourcing and persistent denial, despite overwhelming evidence contrary to his opinions. Nowhere in his book does he address the reality of hate crimes against LGBT people. What his book does do is give cover for the haters.
I see that Rep. Virginia Foxx (R) has claimed the Shepard murder is a “hoax.” Of course, her reality is like a visit to the funhouse at a carnival.
OS wrote: “I am familiar with that book.”
It is pretty clear from your comments that you have not read the book. He does not start the book off in the way you claim. Apparently you are familiar with the book from reading propaganda websites that tell you not to read it. Tell me I am wrong, please. Be truthful and honest. Have you read the book?
OS wrote: “The logic is faulty, because if they were having some sort of sexual affair, they McKinney tried to use the “gay panic” defense at the trial. The jury didn’t believe him after all the evidence had been presented and vetted in cross examination.”
Here you go showing more ignorance about the facts of the Matthew Shepard case.
While the McKinney team wanted to present a “gay panic” defense, the judge would not allow it. Such a defense was dishonest anyway, as Jimenez’s book establishes. McKinney had many homosexual encounters, and went to gay bars to hustle men for $20 blow jobs. Furthermore, the jury ACQUITTED McKinney of first degree murder. Why would they do that if it was a hate crime? The case was presented as a robbery gone bad to the jury, and the jury convicted him of SECOND degree murder.
Once again, you have been misled by propaganda about Matthew Shepard because it is the dogma that you want to believe rather than the perspective supported by the facts.
Knowledge is power, and I recommend everyone become more knowledgeable about the Matthew Shepard murder in order to understand the truth. Through more full knowledge, we can learn to prevent such tragedies from happening in society.
Fear leads to a subconscious reaction: ridicule the queer and you’re not like him, because you’ve distanced yourself from him.
But come on … hey, we can’t lose the majority of our freshman JV squad!! What about the future of our beloved, and let me remind you, very lucrative, football!!??
Geez … what is wrong with you people??
Nick: I don’t think they should give their heads, but I do think they should be punished, as all responsible adults should be punished, in proportion to the damage they caused at the play and to their school. How about making them refund the ticket price and provide monetary compensation for time lost to all attendees at the play they attended? While we are at it, how about some compensation for the time wasted for everybody involved in the production of the ruined play, actors and stage hands that rehearsed, the expenses of putting on the play? How about some compensation for the costs to the school, in salaries and expenses, for mitigating the harm to their reputation and the loss of goodwill due to the actions of these players?
A college freshman is an adult. If they haven’t learned it already, perhaps they need a harsh lesson to teach them that adult privileges only come with taking adult responsibility for their actions. I do believe in proportionality; perhaps if applied here they will become better citizens by learning to consider the consequences of their impulsive actions before they are taken.
‘”I was disappointed to see that a number of Ole Miss football players and others in the audience decided to interrupt a performance of the play using anti-gay slurs,” Judy Shepard, Matthew’s mother, told the gay website Queerty. “Using hate-filled words to interrupt a play about anti-gay hate is a sad irony that only reminds me of the work we at the Matthew Shepard Foundation and each of us as individuals must undertake to help stop hate,” she added.’
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2013/10/ole-miss-jocks-dont-get-yelling-fag-during-laramie-project-bad-idea/70190/
“It will probably be sometime next week before decisions are made. What do you think is the most appropriate way for this university, or any other school, to handle this situation or one like it?”
The university officials seem to be doing quite well so far.
Some aspects of Mississippi culture exacerbate some of the kind of behavior being discussed.
That makes it a more difficult environment for the university officials to work in.
The calls for these freshmen’s heads is a bit unseemly.
Colleges will be paying football players soon. So, at least the hypocrisy of amateurism is gone. This is happen within the next decade or so. A good thing IMO.
Just for the record, the kids who acted out are all freshmen, three months out of high school. Freshmen would not be on the varsity team, so the notion of them sitting out the Auburn game is a moot point.
itchinBayDog made the point of them being banned from the theatre rather than from the playing field. As a matter of fact, they may be barred from attending plays the rest of the year, which means they will fail the art appreciation course. A failing grade will affect eligibility.
As for Kraaken being skeptical about sensitivity training, let’s wait and see what the William Winter Institute comes up with. They are taking a measured approach rather than a rush to judgment. If you listened to the interview Frank posted above, student actor Garrison Gibbons proposed the entire team wear LGBT pride patches on their jerseys the rest of the year. Subtle, but likely to be an effective psychological tactic. Anyone want to bet with me whether some sewing company is making such patches right now?
AY, yer welcome.
OS wrote: “… student actor Garrison Gibbons proposed the entire team wear LGBT pride patches on their jerseys the rest of the year.”
Worst idea ever. Force them to become propaganda robots? Not at all American, not in the least.
Look, this play is presenting false information. A book was just released last month exposing the falsehood portrayed in this play about Matthew Shepard. It is called “The Book of Matt: Hidden Truths about the Murder of Matthew Shepard.” It is a fascinating read that shows a lot of evidence that Aaron McKinney was bisexual and not only knew Matthew Shepard before that night he killed him, but he had done drugs with him and had sexual relations with him. They were friends. His killing him was a result of a meth rage and the desire for money for more drugs. Nobody wants to hear this side of the story, but the evidence is pretty overwhelming if only people take time to look at it.
By the way, the book was written by a gay man, not some straight guy trying to debunk the story. He investigated the case for many years, first for the New York Times, then later helped produce and ABC news story for 20/20.
No doubt these guys were disrespectful and should be reprimanded, but this event should not be blown out of proportion. Imagine if the story in the play was about a prostitute who was picked up in a bar and then taken out and murdered. Then some football players watch a play about it and yell out, “slut.” Should they be made to wear patches proclaiming rights for prostitutes or rights for sexual liberation? Such makes no sense. They object to the sexually moral aspects, so the reprimand should focus upon their disrespect toward someone’s presentation rather than forcing them to adopt the philosophy of approving of homosexual behavior.
The American way is for the mind to be free from government coercion of debatable issues. Forcing them to approve of and promote something their mind and conscience tells them is not right is the wrong approach. Teach them respect for others, that’s all, and the right way to express their objection.
David,
Are you for Obamacare or the ACA?
Tony,
Yep.
Thank you OS…
Wow….
itchin: Personally, I am opposed to sports in high school or college, I find it a corrosive and corrupting influence among students and faculty (I am a professor at a large college).
Far too many kids, and not a small share of professors and administration, get obsessed with celebrities and “victories” that are absolutely meaningless. Except, of course, the damage they cause to education, and the lessons they teach about celebrities not having to follow the rules (in admission requirements, grading, make-ups, on through to final graduation), both to the players and the rabble.
If the university wants to start a side business for extra income, I should think they could find something that does not involve ripping off student athletes.
Maybe they should be barred from the theatre and not “the game”.
A larger issue is the predominance of sports in the college setting.
If those dumb schmucks at State Penn would compete with the Chinese in math and science instead of Ohio State in football the state of Penn would be better served with all that public money being spent. That is an example of a State institutionalizing gay behavior of a male pedophile in order to not rock any boats. Football is basically “went in dumb, come out dumb too”. If you put the words into song it ends with “Hustlin round Atlanta in their alligator shoes”. The song by John Prine hits the topic on the head. It is called Rednecks and is on the Good Ol Boys album.
OS,
I don’t have all the facts, but I’m sure they were all “good Christian boyz.”
Now if it turns out to be true it is sad yet it provides us with an opportunity to address a long standing problem in this country about the culture & customs of religions in the USA.
I’m not in favor of hate crime laws as I think there are plenty other laws that work fine in cases of crime.
This case is a good one as it would seem no one was harmed other then some feelings.
This looks like a good case to drag the churches into it kicking & screaming & push them into public statements/actions addressing their need to be preaching a massage of love & tolerance of others beliefs instead of hatred of others beliefs.
As I started to write the other day when getting around JW,locally anyway, they think you & your family have to be broken & the only way to fix yourselves is to join them.
I see that on many political/social sides now. Many are unable to allow themselves to except someone/group that is different from them, Bush supporters, Obama supporters, etc….
I’m sorry I don’t have the great idea to put forward to take advantage of this bad situation & turn it into a positive for society to grow & learn from it’s past mistake.
That idea is out there somewhere & I hope it comes forward.
Foot ball players always seem to get a lot of SLACK for their bad behavior. I say at a minimum they should have been barred from the game. It is time that athletes and bankers have to play by the same rules as the rest of us.
Apologies given as the result of a directive are worthless just like chump change settllents with no jail time for the CEOs. In both cases, the bad actors know that they got away with it.
It’s 2013. There is no excuse for someone who is eighteen years old to act in the manner reported during a serious performance of a serious play on a serious subject. The individuals involved should have their scholarships withdrawn. If they are committed to receiving an education, they can remain at the university at their own expense. That’s what part-time jobs are for.
lotta,
Soul sister 😉
OS,
I grew up with professional football players coming and going from and to my home on a regular basis so, believe you me, I understand the football cult. Bet lotta does too.
OS, I’m aware there’s big money in college football, so much so that it’s not even a sport, it’s a business. When money talks everything else takes a back seat. This isn’t Penn State in magnitude but it’s exactly Penn State fundamentally; same economic drivers and entitlements no matter the transgression. A rabid, cult-like fan following and big money. Sports is its own kind of elite and entitled cultural group.
Mike,
Did you read the story of the Chucky Mullins Courage Award and watch the video about him?
The statue of Chucky Mullins occupies a prominent place on campus and is the centerpiece of student rallies. The plaque on the statue reads “Never Quit” and bears a likeness of his signature under it.
Who would have thought it when Ross Barnett, Sr. and Bobby Kennedy had their showdown in 1961? There is now a civil rights monument with a statue of James Meredith on the campus. Times, they are a changing.