Suspension Lifted for Wisconsin Marching Band

The University of Wisconsin marching band will be allowed to perform at this weekend's Penn State football game after it was suspended from last week's performance because of allegations of hazing and inappropriate behavior, the Badger Herald reports.

Dean of Students Lori Berquam said nearly 70 students voluntarily came forward to provide information that confirmed "that a broad pattern of inappropriate and humiliating behavior took place in the band," she said.

The behavior in question, which band director Mike Leckrone described as "asinine, disgusting and degrading," included "students having to kneel and take a bite from a summer sausage, students confined to the bathroom in the back of the bus for several hours," and "a game called 'mystery door No. 3' in which students are blindfolded, led to a room behind a closed door and...asked to remove the lingerie from a male band member."

While the investigation continues, the band is barred from traveling, which could affect away games and a planned performance at an upcoming Green Bay Packers game. Since last week, some hazing victims have quit the band, and the university has assigned a staff member to work on appropriate behavior. Criminal charges have not been filed, and school officials have not announced how many people have been disciplined. Penalties could range from an official university written reprimand to expulsion.