If it learns to behave, the Band may play on.
That’s the basic message of University officials after vandalism at the Band’s temporary Shak resulted in sanctions and prompted creation of a committee to examine Band operations.
The Band had been using a modular unit near Encina Hall since 2002 while awaiting completion of a $2.8 million “Shak” at the former DeGuerre Courts. After the group departed for its new home in July, University officials who came to inspect the module arrived to a scene that vice provost for student affairs Greg Boardman called “appalling.” Windows were broken, walls were smashed and smeared with food and graffiti, and portions of the ceiling had been pulled down. A subsequent police investigation revealed that at least a dozen Band members were involved.
The University placed the Band on “indefinite provisional status,” which included a one-year travel ban and suspension of most Band functions, including performing at athletic events. A 13-member Reinstatement Committee will make recommendations to Boardman on a range of Band matters, including the conditions under which it will be allowed to resume full activities. Chris Griffith, associate director for graduate student life, was named interim Band director, and will co-chair the committee along with senior Lauren Graham. The panel includes two members of the Band and a representative of the LSJUMB alumni board.
“We do not want to kill the Band,” Boardman said in early October. “Some people mistrust what we’re trying to do, and they can choose to believe us or not, but our goal is to help the Band thrive long term.”
The Band has violated University policies nine times in the past three years, including four violations of its alcohol suspension. Historically, such violations are sent to the Organization Conduct Board, a panel of students and staff that serves as the judiciary agent for all student groups. This time, Boardman decided to take a different approach. “In the past we have looked at these case by case, but there hasn’t been a strategic approach to step back and say, ‘What should the Band be?’ Technically, the Band is a volunteer student organization like all the others, but we know it’s much more than that. It’s an ambassador for the University, and with that privilege also come responsibilities.”
Band president Adam Cohen, ’07, said he was angry at the perpetrators and eager to move forward. “I am more than optimistic that the steps being taken will result in us playing this fall.”
The Band did not appear at either of the football team’s first two home games but was allowed to participate in Band Run, a rousing welcome during Orientation. Griffith said in early October she hoped the Band would be back on the field soon. She has outlined a series of steps it must take before being allowed to perform, including developing a member’s manual that would spell out expectations for conduct and “what it means to be a Band member.” Griffith says the organization needs a leadership model and an infrastructure that provides support for its members. “We want the Band back, but we also want everybody involved to know we’re serious this time. You have to earn your way back when there’s a breach of trust.”
