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UW says band will play on but culture must change

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin marching band will play on — but members better watch their step.

University of Wisconsin-Madison officials said Thursday the band’s suspension will be lifted so it can play during Saturday’s home football game against No. 6 Penn State. But they vowed to end a culture of hazing, alcohol abuse and sexualized behavior that has persisted for years and flared up in recent weeks.

The band, the pride of many Badgers fans, was suspended for last weekend’s game against Ohio State after the university received allegations of hazing. It was the first time the band missed a game in 40 years.

Dean of Students Lori Berquam said Thursday her investigation, based on interviews with 70 band members, found a pattern of inappropriate behavior. She said much of the activity involved upperclassmen who bullied freshmen — but only a fraction of the band’s 315 members.

“The interviews confirm reports of some asinine, some disgusting, some degrading behavior by some of our band members,” Band Director Michael Leckrone said at a news conference. “These behaviors could be extensive, hurtful and childish. This kind of conduct is a personal embarrassment to me obviously. As the leader of the band, the buck stops here. I’m sorry these activities took place on my watch.”

The band will not be allowed to travel for the time being, which may prevent members from playing during a Green Bay Packers game this fall, he said.

Berquam said the investigation confirmed that underage drinking was prevalent during band gatherings, students were held for hours in bathrooms during a bus trip, members were forced to have “odd and unbecoming haircuts” and routinely conducted other bizarre rituals.