Jackson State lifts band suspension

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – Jackson State University officials have lifted a temporary suspension on the school’s marching band following the conclusion of an investigation into hazing allegations.
The 280-member band will be allowed to perform at Saturday’s football game at Southern University in Baton Rouge, La.
The university said Thursday that the band was on probation for one year. It will be automatically suspended if any infractions occur during this period, said Velvelyn Foster, vice president of academic affairs and student life.
Interviews with 25 band members found that section leaders made band members do push-ups or crunches if they didn’t perform their music parts correctly, Foster said.
“These incidents were not intended for hazing,” Foster said. “The section leaders were attempting to get students to perform at the high standard of excellence that is required to be in the band.”
In addition to limiting the responsibilities of section leaders, the school also will educate band members about hazing.
No individual band members will be disciplined for the incidents, Foster said.