WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Sept 26 (Reuters) – A North Carolina
university has imposed sanctions against its marching band drum
line after an investigation into hazing allegations found that
members had violated the school’s student code of conduct.
The 36 members of the drum line at North Carolina Central
University in Durham must attend a hazing prevention workshop
and perform 10 hours of community service, the school said in a
statement on Wednesday.
The school said it had lifted a two-week suspension that
barred the drum line from all band-related activities while the
school investigated the hazing claims.
The university has not released details about the
allegations. But like other schools, it has been on heightened
alert since a Florida A&M; University drum major died in a hazing
ritual last year.
Twelve band members have been charged with third-degree
felony hazing in the Robert Champion case, and all have pleaded
not guilty. In addition, the university president and the band
director have resigned, and the band has been on suspension
since Champion’s death.
North Carolina Central will require staff supervision at all
practice sessions and section meetings, the statement said.
Campus police continue to investigate whether criminal charges
are warranted, university spokeswoman Ayana Hernandez said.
(Reporting by Colleen Jenkins; Editing by Cynthia Johnston and
Xavier Briand)
