* I am not excusing sexual harassment in any form. (And everyone should know my views on hazing of any sort by now.) And I am not predicting future PSU Sports Decisions with this post. I am merely questioning political correctness and its effect on the status quo.
There can be no question that the
Ohio State Marching Band has been at the pinnacle of performances over a long period of time. With the recent revelations* of a
"sexualized culture" and the firing of the band director credited with putting the cherry on top of its recent Band's performances, Ohio State has made a very important decision.
When a group or organization maintains its position at the top of its trade, many reasons can factor into it. One thing that helps separate the
"great" from the
"good" groups is often the bonding that occurs within the group. This is most often a positive thing, but sometimes can result in bad things happening. Bonding can be strongest among a group that shares
a secret that is often slightly outside the envelope. A band having an annual practice in its underwear certainly fits that definition. Having nicknames that are not something shared with anyone outside the group can be another. A team cheer with some profanities in it can be another. These don't have to necessarily
cross the line.
Ohio State says it now has a
"Zero-Tolerance Policy" on these matters. Meaning anyone upset by anything, real or imagined, can complain and get their way. The "victim" becomes the executioner in these situations. Imagine the OSU Band having to march in burqas because a band member became a Fundamental Muslim during the season and is upset by the old uniforms. That's zero-tolerance taken to the extreme, but the true definition of zero-tolerance. Perhaps
"a hard line" would be a better policy?
The elimination of a significant factor in the incredible bonding of its group means that the Ohio State Marching Band will be hard pressed to sustain its dominance in its field. But did the
"good" done to eliminate the
"bad" of the sexualized culture do anyone anything positive? Did the "bad" of marching in underwear and having a nickname of
"Boob Job" harm anyone?
My opinion is that somewhat innocent shenanigans escalated to intolerable abuses and hazing over decades, and something needed to be done. The Columbus Dispatch puts this much better than I can. In fact, accusations of rape and inadequate handling of reports of sexual assault have been leveled. But a
zero-tolerance policy is only going to smear otherwise innocent, talented and intelligent students.
*The original alert about this came from a band member's mother. There has been very few complaints over the year's from actual band members.
