Prairie View Fights against hazing

Prairie View A&M University’s investigation of alleged hazing in the percussion section of the university’s Marching Band, The Marching Storm, is ongoing.
 The office of student conduct is leading the investigation is working with a board of administrators including President George C. Wright, vice president of student affairs and institutional advancement Dr. Lauretta Byers, and band director Dr. Timmey Zachery.
 An incident alluding to inappropriate behavior that could potentially be considered hazing was reported shortly after the Lamar football game.
“Prairie View has no tolerance for hazing. Hazing is a criminal behavior, which can end in an arrest and/or jail time, as well as being a direct violation to the university’s code of student conduct,” said director of public relations Sheleah Reed.
Based on the report and the ongoing investigation, the board proposed the two-week suspension of the percussion section, effective Sept. 13. The suspension prevents members from participating in all activities including practices, performing, and attending meetings.
Although, this takes a major toil on the percussion section, also another school has been affected by the suspected hazing.   In fact, the band was invited to play at the football game in North Dakota, because “they heard about out flare and wanted to witness the funk,” said Reed.
 However, because the percussion section was suspended, the entire band did not go to the game, even after North Dakota had already publicized and advertised that the Marching Storm was going to be there.
 Junior music education major Donovan Harris said, “I don’t believe hazing is acceptable in any way, form or fashion. I believe some think hazing is something they have to be subjected to, but it is not. Students should realize how much it affects the student body and the image of our school.”
 The suspension will come to an end on Sept. 27, 2012, if no evidence of hazing is found throughout the investigation.
However, any individual who is found to be involved with hazing will have to take responsibility for the consequences. All other members are taken off suspension pending no new findings in the case.