Posted on 07/25/2014 9:34:07 AM PDT by afraidfortherepublic
Ohio State University fired marching band director Jonathan Waters yesterday after a two-month investigation found that band leaders ignored a “sexualized” culture among students and didn’t take sexual-harassment training as recommended. The firing came two weeks after OSU leaders told Waters he could keep the job if he enacted a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment, his attorney, David Axelrod, said yesterday. The firing was a surprise to Waters, Axelrod said. “Jonathan has not decided precisely what action he will take,” Axelrod said. “He intends to defend his good name in one way or another.” Ohio State fired Waters, 38, after a university investigation found a cascade of evidence that students in the band routinely harassed one another –– often directed from older students to newcomers –– and that Waters ignored complaints about those traditions. -
Reached by phone, Waters referred questions about the firing to his attorney. “Jonathan tried as hard as he could within the constraints imposed upon him to change that culture. He did his absolute best,” Axelrod said. But a 23-page report from the OSU Office of Compliance and Integrity questions his effort. University investigators found that Waters knew of several traditions and allowed them to continue. The report also found that he mishandled a report that one band member sexually assaulted another: Waters tried to discipline the female victim along with the male student, but Ohio State reversed the decision. -
(Excerpt) Read more at dispatch.com ...
Something is guaranteed to happen to Ohio State if they report it. If the university is doing “too well”, someone will come out of the woodwork with some dirt.
In a certain Scandal Evading Conference, one could probably get away with unspeakble deeds by comparison.
Leaders of fraternities have been unable to prevent occasional deaths from hazing. (Hazing which was routine during my time in college.)
Not all “traditions” are worthwhile or desirable.
Right. The OSU admin could have easily said we have a new band director on board so we are tasking him to get it turned around.
Instead they now have a nasty law suit which OSU will lose because their legal staff is totally outclassed.
You’re talking about Florida A&M University, which for years has been a school run to support a band.
Having been a Band Parent now for 8 years of high school band and 2 of college band, we stand by the old saying that the football game is just something to keep the people entertained before and after the band show.
Love it!
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