Salem-News.com Jonathan Waters articles

Ohio State Fires Band Director over `Sexualized` Culture

Many of the activities were longstanding traditions that predated Waters' tenure as director,.

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - Ohio State University fired the director of its celebrated marching band on Thursday amid allegations he knew about and ignored ''serious cultural issues,'' some involving rituals where students were pressured to march in their underwear or participate in sexually themed stunts.

Jonathan Waters had led the band since 2012, and served in lesser capacities for a decade before that. His halftime shows for what's known to fans as ''The Best Damn Band in the Land'' were considered revolutionary and drew millions of viewers on YouTube.