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UW Band

And the UW Band Plays On

Next game: Saturday, Oct. 11 vs. Penn State
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MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The Wisconsin marching band will play on -- but members better watch their step.

University of Wisconsin-Madison officials said Thursday the band's suspension will be lifted so the band can play during Saturday's home football game against No. 6 Penn State. But they vowed to end a culture of hazing, alcohol abuse and sexualized behavior that has persisted for years and flared up in recent weeks.

The band was suspended for last weekend's game against Ohio State after the university received allegations of hazing.

Dean of Students Lori Berquam said Thursday her investigation, based on interviews with 70 band members, found a pattern of inappropriate behavior. She said much of the activity involved upperclassmen who bullied freshmen -- but only a fraction of the band's 315 members.

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"The interviews confirm reports of some asinine, some disgusting, some degrading behavior by some of our band members," Band Director Michael Leckrone said at a news conference. "These behaviors could be extensive, hurtful and childish. This kind of conduct is a personal embarrassment to me obviously. As the leader of the band, the buck stops here. I'm sorry these activities took place on my watch."

The band will not be allowed to travel for the time being, which may prevent members from playing during a Green Bay Packers game this fall, he said.

Berquam said the investigation confirmed that underage drinking was prevalent during band gatherings, students were held for in bathrooms during a bus trip, members were forced to have "odd and unbecoming haircuts" and routinely conducted other bizarre rituals.

One included students being forced to kneel in front of another and take a bite from a summer sausage; another involved students who were blindfolded and asked to remove lingerie from a male band member, she said.

She said an allegation that students were fondled against their will has not been substantiated.

Berquam said her office's investigation continues and disciplinary action may be pursued against those who instigated the problems.

The university also said it was taking the following steps:

-- Appointing a staff member to work with band members to change the culture. The employee will report to Berquam.

-- Conduct a review of the band's educational role. This will include a self-study by the band and reviews by a committee of faculty and an academic planning council.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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