Legal Commentary

UW Band Suspended

By TChris

The Wisconsin Badgers are losing to the Ohio State Buckeyes 7-0 at the end of the first quarter. [Update: 10-7 Badgers, end of half] [Final: 20-17 Ohio State grumble] The legendary UW Marching Band isn't helping the team to victory tonight, having been suspended for hazing.

No details were immediately released about the behavior, only that it involved inappropriate alcohol use, hazing and sexualized behavior. Leckrone said it involved only a small number of band members, but it was significant enough to warrant the suspension.

UW football players are suspended once or twice a year, usually in conjunction with criminal charges. It would be remarkable to see the entire team suspended for a game, particularly in light of the revenue loss a team suspension would generate. Is it reasonable to suspend an entire band of 300 (I don't know how many of those perform at a home game) for the actions of an admitted few?

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Please note: after considerable anguish over whether this post should be categorized under "Social Justice," I finally opted for "Off Topic." But geez, it seems a severe injustice to deny the culturally deprived fans of Ohio State (not to mention UW fans and everyone else watching this nationally televised game) the privilege and benefit of listening to the UW Marching Band.

Full post as published by TalkLeft on October 04, 2008 (boomark / email).