The suspension means that all band performances, including those of the Delaware State University (DSU) Approaching Storm Marching Band, the DSU Jazz Ensembles, the Concert Band and the Pep Bands, are canceled for the remainder of the fall semester, including the university’s final home football game on November 23.
“The University takes these allegations of hazing very seriously, and as such, taking action immediately to suspend the band activities and thoroughly investigate the veracity of the charges is the only appropriate course,” said Dr. Alton Thompson, DSU provost and vice president for academic affairs, in a statement.
The university’s investigation into the unspecified allegations surrounding the school bands remains in effect, and it’s uncertain as to when it will conclude, said Delaware State University spokesman Carlos Holmes. Roughly 150 students have been active in the suspended bands.
“At this point, we have no reports of injured students or anything like that,” he said.
“We are painstakingly trying to do a very thorough investigation,” Holmes added. “It involves talking to a lot of people. I can’t tell you how long the investigation is going to take, but we’re still in the middle of it.”
Observers say DSU administrators’ actions proved notable since they appear to have pre-empted any significant hazing-related student accident or injury. It’s also noteworthy that, according to news reports, DSU officials have said that the hazing allegations were brought to bands director Randolph Johnson from “multiple sources,” likely meaning students and others from the university community.
