20 Miss. college marching band members suspended as officials investigate hazing accusations

College band musicians suspended in hazing probe

JACKSON, Miss. — Jackson State University officials say about 20 members of the school’s marching band are accused of being involved in hazing and have been suspended.

University spokesman Anthony Dean says the rest of the 300-member Sonic Boom of the South band would perform Saturday at JSU’s football game against Grambling State.

Dean would not discuss details of the accusations.

In 2007, university officials had initially barred the entire band from performing at a football game against Southern University because section leaders made musicians do push-ups or crunches if they didn’t perform correctly. However, the order was overturned two days later.

No one was disciplined, but officials limited the responsibilities of section leaders and began educating band members about hazing.

Information from: The Clarion-Ledger, www.clarionledger.com