Ohio State University's evaluation of fired marching band director Jon Waters lauded him for "courageous" efforts to address attitudes surrounding the band's traditions seven weeks before he was dismissed. The school fired Waters on July 24 after the university's investigation found he knew about but failed to stop the band's "sexualized culture," which included a tradition of midnight underwear marches. OSU yesterday released his performance review signed June 2 in which Waters was praised for "tackling some of the more extreme views head-on." The evaluation period ended in March, before the university began its investigation, but was signed a week after the probe began. OSU President Michael Drake told the Columbus Metropolitan Club on Wednesday he sees virtually no chance Waters will be reinstated. Drake said he knew the decision would not be popular, but he needed to take action.
Drake deflected follow-up inquiries regarding criticism from Waters and others that the investigation was flawed. Prior to the event, members of the alumni band played outside of the building in support of Waters and in protest of the firing.
