Clark Atlanta University Lifts Suspension Of Marching Band After Hazing Investigation (4002 hits)
The Huffington Post | By Tyler Kingkade
Clark Atlanta University lifted the suspension of its marching band this week after concluding an investigation over hazing allegations.
Clark Atlanta found no evidence of hazing or any illegal activity, according to a statement.
"After conducting a self-‐imposed, aggressive and thorough investigation, which began August 30 in response to an allegation regarding the possibility of hazing, Clark Atlanta University today announces that there was neither hazing nor any illegal activity as defined by Georgia Code 16-‐5-‐61," read a statement issued Tuesday. "Therefore, the University today is lifting its suspension of the 'Mighty Marching Panthers' Band."
The university self-imposed a suspension on the Mighty Marching Panthers on Aug. 30, halting all performances. The school stated at the time there was no clear and immediate evidence of illegal activity.
Hazing at Historically Black Colleges & Universities, like Clark Atlanta, have been increasingly under the microscope after the death of drum major Robert Champion during a hazing incident at Florida A&M University one year ago. Champion was beaten in the dark on a bus after a football game, ultimately leading to his death. Champion was from Decatur, Ga., just outside Atlanta.
CNN reports several schools have been investigating hazing amid their ranks:
North Carolina Central University suspended its marching band's drum line for two weeks in September after an investigation into allegations of hazing found that all members of the line had violated the school's code of conduct.
According to the Herald-Sun newspaper in Durham, the school is ordering drum line members to attend a hazing prevention workshop and perform community service.
And Texas Southern University suspended its "Ocean of Soul" band last week to investigate a possible hazing incident involving a section of the band.
The AP reports it's unclear whether police were involved in the Clark Atlanta investigation.
* Image of the Clark Atlanta University Marching Panthers, credit to Credit Flowers Communication Media (Via Patch)
