Jackson State band suspensions trimmed

Hazing penalties changed for 22 students

Jackson State University has amended its punishment for students involved in the hazing of freshmen marching band members, including reducing the length of some of their suspensions.

Last week, the school said 27 students had been suspended for two years following a campus police investigation into allegations that freshmen members of the Sonic Boom of the South's percussion section were beaten at an off-campus event on Sept. 18. It later said five students were exonerated.

On Wednesday, university officials said the 22 students had appealed, and of that number, 19 students' suspensions were reduced to one year, and one student was fully cleared.

Also, two other students who came forward with information were placed on probation through graduation. They cannot participate in the band and must perform 200 hours of community service, pay a $300 fine and take 20 hours of anti-hazing classes and 20 hours of conflict-resolution training.

Marcus Chanay, associate vice president of Student Life, said in a statement that the appeal process required students to take responsibility and commit to a rehabilitation plan.

"We're focused on making sure that our students become exceptional leaders," he said. "Hazing simply has no role in that."

Chanay added that he hopes the event will be a lesson for current and future students.

Lawyer John Reeves, who is representing one of the suspended students, however, questions the fairness and equity of the revised punishment. Reeves said at least two of those allowed back in school participated directly in the hazing, based on what his client told him.

"The university suspended from school some people who were involved, but not others," he said. "You can't pick and choose."

Reeves said his client told him during the university hearing that none of the students admitted involvement in the hazing, but after learning their punishment, about 10, including his client, either met with Chanay or wrote a letter about what happened.

"If the university is going to give a break to some of the students who told the truth after the hearing, legally they should give a break to all the students who acted similarly," Reeves said.

Band director Renardo Murray has not returned calls or e-mails from The Clarion-Ledger for comment.

The 19 students given a one-year suspension will be allowed to re-enroll at JSU in the summer, but once enrolled, the students must take 20 hours of anti-hazing classes and 20 hours of conflict resolution classes and perform 100 hours of community service.

Students, whom officials would not identify because they had been threatened, told authorities the percussion section met somewhere near High and State streets around midnight after formal band practice.

They were instructed to line up from shortest to tallest and interlock arms before upperclassmen allegedly beat them with objects that included two-by-fours, pipes, bats, paddles, beer bottles and a chair, university leaders said.

One student suffered a fractured shoulder, but authorities said he is not filing charges. Several others suffered swelling, scratches and bruises, officials said.

In addition to the upperclassmen, the university also has placed 20 freshmen members of the percussion section on probation for two years for violating university policy.

The students were fined $200 for attending the unauthorized, off-campus event - which is prohibited.

Chanay said the freshmen students could face suspension from school if they are found guilty of violating university policies in the future.

All of the freshmen have been reinstated in the band.

Elizabeth Crisp • Clarion Ledger • October 8, 2009