Vendors react to Fort Valley State University’s marching band suspension after hazing investigation

FORT VALLEY, Ga. (WRBL) — Fort Valley State University’s homecoming is in full swing, but a key component of the celebration is missing.

The Blue Machine Marching Band has been suspended after a report of hazing, which led to the arrest of two women.

WRBL News 3’s Cameron Sanderson was on campus and spoke to vendors who say the news has dampened some of the excitement surrounding homecoming.

“Without the band this year? It’s going to be kind of lackluster,” said vendor Andre Cheers. Other vendors shared similar sentiments.

“I’m against it. I hate that it happened. And it’s even worse that there won’t be a band out here,” said Richard Morris. “It’s tough anytime you have a game and there’s no band. That’s almost half as important to the actual game. The band being here, it’s a big part of the experience. I’ve performed in bands before. It’s tough.”

Despite the absence of the band, some students and supporters say homecoming is about more than just the music.

“Oh, it will definitely be different. It definitely will be different. But we are Fort Valley State Wildcats. We adjust and we adapt,” said a student. “I feel that the proper actions were taken. There’s no excuse for doing what they did, but we’ll learn and be better for it.”

According to FVSU, the City of Fort Valley PD has found sufficient evidence to support charges of hazing.

Those charges stem from an incident that reportedly happened on Sept. 24, involving the Blue Machine Marching Band.

The band’s activities are suspended indefinitely, which means the Blue Machine Marching Band will not perform at FVSU’s homecoming game on Saturday.

University officials said they have opened an independent investigation that’s looking into the hazing case.

Until the investigation is complete, the band will remain suspended indefinitely.

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