By: Anonymous Buckeye

Anonymous Buckeye
Sat, 26 Jul 2014 22:01:54 +0000

I was one of the early female members of TBDBITL. Things have not changed. It is not OK to bully, nor is it OK to sexually harass anyone. For any reason. Allegations have been made before, but there was no one in the Athletic office (at the time) who took it seriously. A female band member was even quoted in the Lantern in the 1970s talking about the raunchy songs on the bus. No one cared.

I am proud of the quality of our marching band’s shows. I know what it takes to win a position in the band, year after year. I was one of the people who practiced, studied, and practiced some more to make it. I know what it’s like to get out there, practice all those hours, memorize the moves and the music. I know that tensions and the pressure to perform are extremely high. I also know that there are people who love to see Ohio State look bad in the media.

HOWEVER – it is not OK any more to treat people with anything less than respect. No racial epithets. No homophobia. No sexually intimidating words, “midterms”, rookie tasks, etc. It is not OK.

I agree that Waters has been made the scapegoat. But maybe, just maybe, the students and staff will get the picture that excellence can be achieved without demeaning someone else.