In what will hopefully end a controversy that thrust the University of Wisconsin Marching Band into national headlines, Assistant Band Director Mike Lorenz has officially tendered his resignation.

In a letter to Mr. Lorenz, John Schaffer, the director of the UW School of Music, accepted his resignation Monday and outlined the terms of the remainder of Mr. Lorenz's employment. According to the letter, Mr. Lorenz will fulfill his "customary duties" as an assistant faculty associate until May 27, 2007, but he will not be allowed to travel with the Marching Band.

The band's "sexual hazing culture" came to light in October, after Chancellor John Wiley verbally reprimanded band members for their behavior during a road trip to Ann Arbor for a September football game.

In the ensuing controversy, it was revealed that an unnamed staff member — later identified as Mr. Lorenz — was also implicated in a sexual harassment complaint, though the details were withheld because of an ongoing investigation. Upon its completion, the investigation stated that, despite the inappropriate nature of Mr. Lorenz's behavior, his actions toward a female staff member during the band's September stay in Michigan did not constitute sexual harassment.

While we are glad Mr. Lorenz has accepted responsibility for his misconduct and took it upon himself to resign, we would prefer to see his resignation take effect immediately.

When the issue first drew attention, Mr. Wiley instituted an apparent zero-tolerance policy, threatening to "start over from scratch" with the band if any further incidents occurred. Considering how hard Chancellor Wiley came down on the students in the band last fall, we find it somewhat curious that Mr. Lorenz is being allowed to leave on his own terms. Allowing Mr. Lorenz continued interaction with the band seems to apply a double standard between band students and professional staff.

Since Mr. Lorenz has thus far failed to be a role model to band members, perhaps he should take the opportunity to set a good example and remove himself from the university rather than finish off the semester.