The Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band has been prohibited from performing at all away athletic events for the 2015-16 academic year, one of the penalties levied as a result of an investigation of band activities by Stanford's Organization Conduct Board and the Title IX Office.
The inquiry examined events that occurred between 2012 and 2015, concluding that there were several incidents during which the band violated university policies regarding alcohol, controlled substances, hazing and/or sexual harassment. The travel ban, which includes any postseason games, was imposed along with a one-year prohibition on the band hosting events with alcohol; changes to band events to ensure compliance against hazing and sexual harassment; and additional training on university policies. Deborah Golder, associate vice provost and dean of residential education, said the investigation noted improvements in recent years in the band's culture and accountability.
A band representative noted that it was "implementing new procedures and policies to ensure that the band remains the safe environment that we know it can be" and gamely promised that for this football season, "our jokes will be slightly more funny than usual."
