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Fired OSU Band Director Says He Was Fixing Band’s Culture
By: Associated Press
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The fired Ohio State University marching band director says he was working to change a culture of hazing and inappropriate rituals among members.
Jonathan Waters detailed the changes he was trying to make in a seven-page document prepared when the university began investigating allegations of problems with the band. His attorney released the document Wednesday night.
The university dismissed Waters last week after a two-month investigation concluded that he knew about but failed to stop rituals that included students being pressured to march in their underwear, sing lewd songs, and perform sexually themed stunts that yielded often explicit nicknames.
Waters says he was taking steps to change the culture of hazing, inappropriate behavior and vulgar language.
Also Thursday, the band's alumni association issued a statement supporting Waters.