The Bowie State University marching band, the Symphony of Soul, has been suspended and will not perform at the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association football championship this weekend while school officials investigate allegations of hazing.
University officials notified the campus Wednesday evening: “Over the past several days, the university has worked to investigate initial allegations of hazing within the Symphony of Soul and the entire university band program.”
“First and foremost our top priorities are assuring the safety of our students and maintaining the integrity of the university band program. We have found sufficient evidence to confirm the existence of hazing activities; therefore, all performance activities remain suspended, including travel to the CIAA football championship game this weekend.
Further investigation is needed to determine next steps to be taken through the student judicial process, but we remain committed to concluding the process as soon as possible and resuming the normal operations of the band.”
While it is unclear what type of hazing is alleged to have been conducted in the band, spokeswoman Cassandra Robinson said that the university “found sufficient evidence to confirm the existence of hazing activities.”
Bowie State University was founded in 1865, and the Symphony of Soul has long been an important part of the school’s culture and traditions, rallying fans at sporting events and battling bands from other colleges and universities.
By: Maytinee Kramer
