COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State University fired the director of its celebrated marching band Thursday after determining he ignored a “sexualized” culture of rituals, including students being pressured to march in their underwear and participate in sexually themed stunts.
Jonathan Waters had led the band since 2012 and served in lesser capacities for a decade before that. His halftime shows for what’s known to fans as “The Best Damn Band in the Land” were considered revolutionary and drew millions of views on YouTube.
Ohio State president Michael Drake, on the job just three weeks, said in an Associated Press interview that he was “profoundly disappointed and shocked” by the findings of a two-month investigation that began before his arrival.
“This is 2014, and we respect our students as young adults,” Drake said. “We respect women, and we respect all the different people who work with us, we respect that diversity.”
The probe determined Waters knew about and failed to stop what the university called “serious cultural issues” within the band.
In the report, Waters denies the allegations against him — including that he texted sexual limericks to band members — and said he disagrees that the band’s culture is sexualized.
A spokesman said the university was required to promptly perform the probe under federal Title IX sexual discrimination laws, after a parent complained band members were asked to swear secrecy oaths “about objectionable traditions and customs,” some in place well before Waters took over. Those included raunchy songs and a late-night march, described as optional, in which band members stripped down to their underwear. Investigators found band staff and directors, including Waters, had sometimes attended.
The university has appointed former Ohio Attorney General Betty Montgomery to lead an independent task force assigned to review the matter, which will include representatives from Ernst & Young, the Sports Conflict Institute and outside counsel to provide guidance on Title IX compliance.
Waters’ firing was first reported by The Columbus Dispatch.
Photo via Twitter/@Bryanthagr8