Hazing Allegations Hit UW Marching Band
Band Won't Perform At Saturday's Football Game
Updated: 8:01 pm CDT October 4, 2008
Related
READ: Read UW News Release Detailing Marching Band Conduct (October 2006)READ: Read Chancellor's Letter (October 2006)
TALKBACK: What Do You Think?
VIDEO: Chancellor Puts Band On Probation (October 2006)
Previous Marching Band Incidents
READ: Read UW News Release Detailing Marching Band Conduct (October 2006)READ: Read Chancellor's Letter (October 2006)TALKBACK: What Do You Think?VIDEO: Chancellor Puts Band On Probation (October 2006)MADISON, Wis. -- The University of Wisconsin marching band has been suspended while allegations of hazing, alcohol abuse and sexual misconduct are investigated.TALKBACK: What Do You Think? VIDEO: Watch Band Director Speak At News Conference VIDEO: Watch The ReportThe university announced at a news conference Friday night that the band will not perform Saturday, saying the behavior is consistent with conduct that put the band on probation in 2006.Former UW Chancellor John Wiley threatened then to get rid of the band for a significant period of time."I'm truly disappointed to have received these serious allegations and I will assist this investigation in any way that I can," band director Mike Leckrone said in a UW news release. "It is my expectation that the members of the band will cooperate and come forward with any and all relevant information."Associated Dean of Students Kevin Helmkamp is leading the investigation and will look into where, when and what exactly happened.No details were immediately released about the behavior, only that it involved inappropriate alcohol use, hazing and sexualized behavior.Leckrone isn't giving many details on the alleged incidents, but he said they were serious enough to warrant suspending the team from any activity including the game against Ohio State.According to a UW news release, the university established a written code of conduct for the band in 2000 and Leckrone has disciplined violators in the past.Leckrone said he learned about the hazing allegations at about 3:45 p.m. Friday, and the band learned of its suspension around 4:30 p.m.While Saturday's game is set to be nationally televised, Leckrone said his No. 1priority is to teach his students."It's my belief that it's a very small percentage as it always is in this case. But there's a sense of shared responsibility that I talk about with the band all the time, particularly since the last incident. If there's a problem, they have to step forward and say, 'That's not what we're about,'" said Leckrone.He said the suspension will remain in effect until the investigation is over.Band members are allowed to go to Saturday's game, but they will have to have a ticket.Leckrone said the band will practice next Tuesday; however, if the investigation doesn't conclude in time, the marching band could possibly miss next week's game against Penn State.Stay tuned to WISC-TV and Channel 3000 for continuing coverage.
TALKBACK: What Do You Think? VIDEO: Watch Band Director Speak At News Conference VIDEO: Watch The ReportThe university announced at a news conference Friday night that the band will not perform Saturday, saying the behavior is consistent with conduct that put the band on probation in 2006.Former UW Chancellor John Wiley threatened then to get rid of the band for a significant period of time."I'm truly disappointed to have received these serious allegations and I will assist this investigation in any way that I can," band director Mike Leckrone said in a UW news release. "It is my expectation that the members of the band will cooperate and come forward with any and all relevant information."Associated Dean of Students Kevin Helmkamp is leading the investigation and will look into where, when and what exactly happened.No details were immediately released about the behavior, only that it involved inappropriate alcohol use, hazing and sexualized behavior.Leckrone isn't giving many details on the alleged incidents, but he said they were serious enough to warrant suspending the team from any activity including the game against Ohio State.According to a UW news release, the university established a written code of conduct for the band in 2000 and Leckrone has disciplined violators in the past.Leckrone said he learned about the hazing allegations at about 3:45 p.m. Friday, and the band learned of its suspension around 4:30 p.m.While Saturday's game is set to be nationally televised, Leckrone said his No. 1priority is to teach his students."It's my belief that it's a very small percentage as it always is in this case. But there's a sense of shared responsibility that I talk about with the band all the time, particularly since the last incident. If there's a problem, they have to step forward and say, 'That's not what we're about,'" said Leckrone.He said the suspension will remain in effect until the investigation is over.Band members are allowed to go to Saturday's game, but they will have to have a ticket.Leckrone said the band will practice next Tuesday; however, if the investigation doesn't conclude in time, the marching band could possibly miss next week's game against Penn State.Stay tuned to WISC-TV and Channel 3000 for continuing coverage.
Previous Stories:
- September 1, 2007: UW-Madison's Marching Band Shapes Up After Behavior Problems
- October 16, 2006: UW Band High Steps Past Image Problems
- October 14, 2006: Band Director, Alumni Say Band Can Rise To Challenge
- October 12, 2006: UW Chancellor Outlines New Rules After Alleged Band Incident
- October 11, 2006: UW Cracks Down On Band After Road Trip Incident
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