Texas Southern University has suspended the ‘Ocean of Soul’ university marching band after school officials were made aware of hazing allegations Wednesday night. The university issued a statement on the matter yesterday.

Texas Southern University is investigating a report of a hazing incident within its University Band.  The report was made last night to TSU officials who immediately convened a meeting of University officials to address the report. TSU police is investigating the situation, including conducting interviews with the band director, band staff and members of the band. TSU student affairs personnel will also take appropriate action.

The band has been suspended until further notice.

In an effort to educate its students about the dangers of hazing, the university presented multiple training and informational sessions to band members and other student organizations.

While it is not known at this time how many students were involved in this incident, it is believed to involve one section of the band.

TSU officials involved in heading the investigation include:  a vice president for student services, student compliance officers, human resources director, director of bands, general counsel, TSU law enforcement officials, and TSU’s communications associate vice president.

The band did not perform at its game last night against Sam Houston State. It is the latest of several incidents of hazing allegations at an HBCU since the beginning of the fall semester, with North Carolina Central, Clark Atlanta University and Florida A&M University also being implicated in hazing related issues.

Awareness of hazing at HBCUs has been heightened since the hazing death of FAMU drum major Robert Champion last November.

Texas Southern University