U. of Wisconsin lifts suspension on band

MADISON, Wis., Oct. 10 (UPI) -- The University of Wisconsin lifted a suspension on its entire marching band Thursday but restricted it to home games for the time being.

The band did not play at Saturday's game against Ohio State. Administrators suspended the 315-member band Friday because of allegations of hazing.

Dean of Students Lori Berquam said an investigation found the band's culture "allowed demeaning and inappropriate activity," the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported. But she said claims that the hazing involved sexual fondling were not substantiated.

Some band members could be disciplined for their behavior, Berquam said. The university plans steps to prevent future problems, including banning unauthorized band performances.

The university found evidence that freshman band members were deprived of sleep, forced to drink alcohol and locked in bus bathrooms for several hours. She said most of the hazing involved male students as perpetrators and victims.