Locked out: Band members gather to support director

Members of Human Jukebox marching band showed up to demonstrate support for Director of Bands, Nathan Haymer at today’s Southern University Board of Supervisors meeting.
Some members of the band gathered at the J.S. Clark Administration building at 8:45 a.m., anticipating the arrival and acknowledgment of the board members.
At last night’s annual band banquet, confusion arose amongst members after learning from Haymer that he “was being forced to resign due to some incidents that occurred way before this year’s season,” Jukebox member Micheal Bingham said after addressing the board.
Bingham continued, “We were also informed that we weren’t going to be able to receive awards because [the university] changed the locks on his office and there was no way for him to get into the office to get the awards.”
According to Attorney Niles Haymer, Nathan Haymer has not resigned, nor has the university terminated his employment.
“The band director is still doing his official duties for Southern University, today. He’s on his way to Houston if he hasn’t made it already. They’re doing a crawfish boil with the alumni chapter out there,” Attorney Haymer reassured.
Inside the meeting, band members and others with concerns were given the opportunity to address the matter to the board members.
Alumnus, Johnathan Dearbone took the opportunity to ask board members to, “think within [themselves] , and be empathetic in regards to [their] actions.”
As a four-year member of the Southern University Human Jukebox, senior Accounting major from Lake Charles, La., Tia George shared Dearborn’s sentiment and expressed her concern about the matter.
“I hope they make the right decision moving forward with whatever is going on. I don’t like how people let social media have a negative impact on real life. Mr. Haymer is not what people try to make him out to be. He helps all of us. He’s changed lives, attitudes, and lifestyles just by being in the band room,” George expressed.
At the close of public comments, the band members were allowed to leave the meeting, and the agenda continued as planned.
Outside, Attorney Haymer gathered the band members in attendance to say a few encouraging words.
“[Nathan Haymer] was watching live and his heart was overwhelmed with love. What y’all did for him today means a lot because I don’t know what’s going to happen here. I know everybody is looking for answers. Nothing is official yet. I’ve talked to many people, but nothing is official,” Attorney Haymer concluded.

Gallery • 2 Photos

Tre’von Caesar, sophomore Psychology major from Lake Charles, LA, comforts his fellow band member during the monthly Board of Supervisors meeting in the Joseph S. Clark Administration Building on Friday, April 27, 2018. (Jamilah Stith/DIGEST)