The Clark-Atlanta University band has been temporarily suspended by the school while it investigates allegations that the band has been hazing band members.
The Benjamin E. Mays High School band played in its place on Saturday for the halftime show between Clark Atlanta and the University of West Alabama at Clark’s stadium in Atlanta.
When Clark Atlanta announced on Friday that the Might Marching Panthers band would be suspended, it said there was no immediate evidence of hazing or foul play, but it is investigating the allegations.
“Even the possibility of hazing is unacceptable under any circumstance,” the university said in a statement. “Ideally, the allegations will prove untrue and the band can return to its planned schedule of performances as quickly as possible. However, regardless of the findings, Clark Atlanta is prepared to take whatever actions are necessary to ensure a safe, healthy, nonthreatening experience for our student musicians.”
Schools are likely being more aggressive in taking action against hazing allegations after the hazing death of Florida A&M drum major Robert Champion last November. The fallout from Champion’s death rattled the entire university, leading to retirement of the band director, the resignation of the school’s president and the arrests of band members.
