The Ohio State University today fired band director Jon Waters for alleged sexual harassment and serious cultural issues. This comes after there was a two-month investigation, which revealed that the conduct of the band and staff to be "inconsistent with the University's values and Title IX requirements."

"Nothing is more important than the safety of our students," said Ohio State president Michael Drake. The complaint, which can be read here, includes the allegation that Waters "told members to swear secrecy oaths not to tell about "objectionable customs" such as members marching in their underwear or marching naked." Assistant Marching Band Director Christopher Hoch also recalls a member having alcohol poisoning approximately five years ago at the "Midnight Ramp" event. The "Midnight Ramp" tradition was officially discontinued on June 9, 2014, according to the report.

After graduating with two masters and earning a bachelors degree from The Ohio State University, Jon Waters served as an assistant director to Dr. Jon Woods. When Woods retired in the January of 2012, Waters went on later to replace him as band director and has been on with the school for almost three years. Water has been in charge of writing shows, rehearsing, and conducting The Ohio State University marching band. Waters also serves as an assistant to the alumni band. 

The Ohio State band, known for hits such as Hang On Sloopy, The Buckeye Battle Cry, and Script Ohio, has been up and around doing these hits and more at family events. Events that are known around the Buckeye state such as Picnic With The Pops and Skull Session. Picnic With The Pops is a family picnic event alongside the Ohio State Fair band, while Skull Session is a pregame show before all home football games. Recently, the Ohio State marching band has been known for some pretty creative halftime shows. 

If the university decides to stay within the band directors and choose one as the next director, the next possible candidate would be Dr. Christopher Hoch, who currently serves as assistant under Waters.

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Tyler Fisher
Contributor to Last Word On Sports. Main editor for USMNT and MLS content on VAVEL USA.