COLUMBUS, Ohio – In a report released the day before the annual performance by hundreds of former members of the OSU marching band, its alumni club says members of the current band deserve an apology because the university report that led to the firing of former director Jonathan Waters has resulted in members being insulted and harassed.
The club, known as TBDBITL, released the findings of an investigation that calls for the reinstatement of Waters and another investigation into claims the band fosters a culture of sexual harassment.
The club has been a vocal supporter of Waters.
Waters was reportedly seen marching on the field with the 700-member alumni band during appearance at Ohio StadiumStadium during Saturday’game against Kent State.
The club leadership’s recommendations include Waters’ immediate reinstatement as marching band director, independent oversight of the band, repudiation of the university’s report and a public apology to current band members for harm the controversy has done to the band’s reputation.
Some current and former band members describe changes in attitude by employers and fans toward them after the university’s report was made public.
Some said employers questioned their fitness for their jobs, others described comments from friends and members of the public about the report. One band member described being confronted by intoxicated fans in an Ohio Stadium restroom during a game.
The 103-page report was the result of a probe in response to the university’s investigation which led to Waters’ firing not doing enough to eliminate a “sexualized culture” characterized by hazing of new members and sexually suggestive rituals.