Rice won't require approval for halftime shows

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Rice University has no plans to change its policy of allowing its marching band to come up with its own halftime shows, even after the band's latest controversial show, which some say made light of sexual assault.

The Marching Owl Band, or MOB for short, has a long tradition of satirizing football opponents.

At the team's latest game, which was against Baylor, the MOB formed the roman numerals for nine -- as in Title 9, the federal law prohibiting gender discrimination.

Baylor has been accused of breaking that law.

The MOB also formed a star, an obvious reference to the resignation of Baylor President Ken Starr.

"I think the band is more upset about how upset everybody else is," explained MOB member John Gladu.

Gladu has been a member of the MOB since the 1970s.

He's one of many non-traditional musicians in the band.

"I expressed concern because that's one of the things 44 years will give you," he explained. "Understanding when there is going to be a storm after a show."

Gladu says the students in the band organized the show.

University administrators don't review the shows before they hit the field.

"We were pointing out that the people in power are not using their power correctly," Gladu explained.