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After allegations of hazing surfaced last Friday afternoon, Band Director Mike Leckrone suspended the band indefinitely, including during last Saturday’s football game against Ohio State. According to Leckrone, the hazing allegations are alcohol-related and involve inappropriate sexual conduct. The situation appears to be very similar to misconduct on another trip to
Leckrone was given a short period of time Friday to make a decision about the band’s future, leading him to issue the indefinite suspension. We applaud Leckrone’s quick action in suspending the band. Although the mistakes of a few resulted in the penalization of many, there does not appear to be an immediate, viable alternative Leckrone could have taken considering the seriousness of the matter.
Additionally, we hope the immature actions of a handful of students do not tarnish the distinguished career Leckrone has had at UW. The Wisconsin Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award winner’s legacy should be based on the music he and the band have created, as he built the program into one of the nation’s best.
While Leckrone’s actions have been commendable, we are concerned about Chancellor Biddy Martin’s involvement — or lack thereof — in the process.
Martin did not attend Friday’s press conference with Leckrone, Dean of Students Lori Berquam and Gary Sandefur, dean of the
Two years ago when hazing allegations surfaced, it was then-Chancellor John Wiley who put his foot down, meeting with the group as a whole and putting them on probation. No additional allegations surfaced during the remainder of his tenure as chancellor.
In the future, when the national spotlight is placed on UW, we expect Martin to step up and represent the university and immediately show her support for her administration and faculty.
We hope the issues with the band are settled quickly, as the band serves as an integral part of the