Marching Band Culture Task Force

Statement from Betty D. Montgomery
August 5, 2014

The Ohio State University Marching Band is renowned for its music, creativity, and showmanship. For fans throughout the world, the band is indeed the Pride of the Buckeyes.

I am a lifelong Ohioan who has been fortunate enough to see the band perform on many occasions. I appreciate not only the hard work of the band members and staff, but also what the band means to students, alumni, friends and fans of The Ohio State University.

Understandably, it has been upsetting for many to learn of an Investigation Report issued by the Office of University Compliance and Integrity that says that aspects of the band's culture have created a hostile environment for students and that band leadership failed to take adequate measures to correct the situation and address the situation's effects.

Members of the external task force that I lead will conduct a cultural assessment, review university administrative processes and oversight and provide counsel on Title IX compliance matters.

Our task force's report will also answer some remaining questions and provide the university with guidance moving forward.

Task force members include national firms with extensive experience in Title IX law, higher education and organizational management:

• Arent Fox LLP
• David Vaughn Consulting Group
• EY (Ernst & Young)
• A cultural assessment firm still to be determined.

I will direct task force members to be respectful, but thorough, and to operate with all deliberate speed. We plan to complete the work and deliver a report to the President and Board of Trustees by early October of this year.

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