COLUMBUS, Ohio ― A judge in the gender discrimination lawsuit of Ohio State University’s fired marching band director says he’s intervening in the evidence-gathering process because of “discouraging” behavior by the lawyers.
In an order issued Wednesday, U.S. District Judge James Graham scolded attorneys for the university and for ex-director Jonathan Waters for overreaching and convoluted filings.
He’s allowing Waters’ team to question only university President Michael Drake and compliance investigator Chris Glaros. Drake fired Waters last summer. Glaros’ report prompted the dismissal.
Ohio State’s arts and sciences dean, music school director and trustees must submit affidavits stating any roles in Waters’ firing.
The university says it fired Waters after an investigation concluded he ignored a “sexualized culture” inside the band, which was featured in an Apple commercial.
Waters says the university gave a second chance to a female employee.
