LC Meridian

Issue date: 10/3/05 Section: Letter to the Editor

In life there are very few things that are simply black or white. It becomes almost celestial that all things don't fall in to the category of "this or that." However, there are some things that are ideal like love, respect, self appreciation and the actions which display them all. Lehman College has a history and reputation for being a place where differences are not tolerated but respected and enjoyed. Hidden in Lehman College are the most prized and undisclosed treasures of the world, which are its students and faculty. A diverse faculty unites with the diverse cultures of students and they delight in their differences, while learning from each other. From one day to the next people leave Lehman College beaming with the spirit of brotherhood and gain more than just knowledge from any individual course. Being a legacy of Lehman College as well as the son of a faculty member, I have grown up on this campus and have seen the campus bloom its most wonderful flora. Like no other college Lehman has breathed new life into each student and into each structure on its campus like a new air reaching the lungs of a mountain climber on the top of Everest. But my memories have been sullied by the harsh white light of one of Lehman's own. As a student of this fine school, it is with great pride that I partake in its fine tradition of extracurricular activities. The theater department has a wonderful reputation and a growing curriculum that not only teaches and develops character, but exposes character. Anyone who hasn't had the pleasure of seeing or participating in a Lehman production should do so and consume its euphoria. During my stay as a Lehman College student I have jumped at the chance of being involved in shows. Though inexperienced at some tasks, I took the experience that the department so freely gives. The idea is that learning is hands on and with time a person will rise to all of the occasions and perform. So, in 2002, I decided to become a part of another Lehman production, but in a capacity I'd never dreamed. I chose to be a stage manager in Lehman's Production of "Play boy of the Western World," which was directed by Lehman instructor Brian Doyle. I expected this experience to be like any other Lehman College experience, which it turned out to be for the most part. The entire group of people learned and grew. And we really did learn. The actors learned how to use a new accent, the stage managers were all new and we learned the basic elements of stage management. However, what we did not bargain for was a major loss of temper and control of a Lehman faculty member resulting in the physical assault on a Lehman student. During one of the dress rehearsals for our production, some cast members were thrown off by the script and not ready for the stage. This led to a minor crisis, which can happen in any production. The situation was resolved and the play went on as planned. Now, the worst that normally happens in a situation like that is that there will be that the director or the technical supervisor will set rules which are more firm. Of course the director will have a rather stern notes session. Instead of a harsh notes section, the Lovinger Theater had an emotional explosion that was unprecedented. In the ten minutes that followed our break, our director Brian Doyle threw clipboards, kicked chairs and did the unthinkable. Now, in this world (at least on this campus) love and respect for one another are ideals that are cherished and held dear. The thought of abuse and violence resonate in the souls of our conscious. Just the word "abuse" embarrasses our most sensitive people like the thought of a shamed family member. So, it's a wonder why a person such as Brian Doyle would think that any instance of abuse would be acceptable. One moment I was talking about the rehearsal events with some Lehman college crew stage crew members along with a Lehman instructor and in the next moment I was being dragged off by a shoulder which has been temperamental since 1995 and scolded for things I resolved. With anger, Brian Doyle walked into the room where we were going over previous events and dug his hand into my shoulder with enough force to crush a small grapefruit and dragged me and my shoulder out of the crew room. After these years passed I am very surprised that much has not been done about this situation, especially after my campus safety report and following letters. I know it's been years and no reciprocity nor a formal apology has come my way, but I have the hope that my voice will be heard. I will hopefully help to bring this poor memory from the view of our beautiful campus and restore more love and appreciation back to what once was. Damany Murphy-Higgs

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