A four-month review of the culture of Ohio State University's marching band has resulted in recommendations for improvement in band operations, training and university oversight.
A task force led by former Ohio Attorney General Betty Montgomery concluded that while the band had a culture of excellence, hard work and positive traditions, there was "an undercurrent of inappropriate behavior" fueled by "a misguided sense of commitment to the past" and an insular nature. The panel also noted sexualized hazing rituals have occurred for many years. Montgomery told reporters interviews with band members took extra time because the band members were coached on what to say, appearing before the task force with "talking points" at the ready. The task force was formed after the band's director, Jon Waters, was fired. OSU President Michael Drake asked Montgomery's task force in August to follow up on a two-month internal investigation that concluded then-director Jonathan Waters knew about but failed to stop a "sexualized culture" of rituals inside the band. The university concluded that created a hostile environment for students.
