The suspension of the percussion section of the Marching Storm, Prairie View A&M University’s marching band, ended Sept. 27 after suspicions of hazing arose.
The office of student conduct, along with the board of administrators worked together to investigate the alleged hazing.
Sheleah Reed executive director of communications said, “As a result of the investigation, several students had student conduct hearings. Although they will be notified in the next few days, FERPA does not permit disclosure of specifics of each student’s hearing or sanctions.”
News of suspected hazing has caused a disturbance within the band community on campus.
Junior chemical engineering and band member Deon Collins said, “I believe it was unfair of the administration to suspend the entire percussion section without even getting the full story from all band members. The percussion section should have been able to continue in activities until the evidence of hazing was actually found.”
In addition, another school in the surrounding area has been affected by hazing. The administration of Texas Southern University has indefinitely suspended the entire band as a result of suspected hazing within the trumpet section.
The hazing incident was reported Wednesday night to officials who immediately gathered to address the report. TSU students said they have been hearing that the hazing involved paddling.
Many band members at other schools, other than PVAMU and TSU, have been involved in hazing. During a response interview on Dec. 2, 2011, Jeremy Franklin, head drum major of TSU’s Ocean of Soul marching band, discussed personal views and experiences with hazing in response to the Marching 100 incident at Florida A&M University.
In fact, Franklin admitted to willingly being hazed on account of wanting to carry on the tradition and culture of the band.
“If everyone is clear about the no tolerance rule, it can eliminate people from joining in on or being subjected to those type of activities,” said junior music education major Donovan Harris.
Students feel it is unfair because this affects more than just the band.
It affects the university’s image as well as taking away from the music major’s education experience because in order to graduate they have to take band courses.
Dancers involved in halftime shows will no longer be able to participate in these activities. It also takes away from people attending games because the band is no longer there for entertainment.