The band will once again take the field October 27 to entertain the crowd, and support the Tigers. Students say it's a big relief.
A TSU panel decided to lift the Ocean of Soul marching band's suspension, which ends a hazing investigation that revealed 10 upper classmen had paddled nine freshman band members. The juniors and seniors are suspended through December 27 and lost their scholarships. The freshman received a written reprimand.
Even though hazing is a crime, the university will not pursue any charges.
Band members go back to making music at the October 27 home game against Grambling State. The move puts the band back in the homecoming parade, and at the November 3 game when the Tigers take on the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
TSU's hazing task force made the decision and students say it was the right one.
Student Demetrick Miller said, "It's excellent for the school you know for school spirit. What would the football team be without the Ocean of Soul? I just love that they have them back."
"I think that's kind of why some people go to the football games, I mean not to say the football team isn't... That's not what people go for, but sometimes people go just to watch the band," said student Briana Johnson.
"I guess I am pretty excited," said student Jordan Rogers. "The football games are pretty boring without them, so I'm happy they'll be back."
For now, the band has not been approved for out of state travel. They had to drop out of a competition in Atlanta but will take part in a smaller one in Austin. The band is also ordered to perform community service.
