The disclosure of the UW Marching Band's inappropriate conduct is disturbing. But what is more disturbing then the revelation of these incidents is the fact that Mike Leckrone denies knowing they exist.
At worst, he cultivated this culture because he created the incentive for this behavior. It is in his full interest that band members maintain pressure upon members in ranks lower than them.
At best, he willfully ignores what is totally apparent to him and other members of his staff. This military-style discipline serves his ultimate purpose, and keeps the rank-in-file in line. All that matters is the end: that the product that trots itself onto Camp Randall looks good.
Leckrone's denial of this is appalling. Anyone who has been in Marching or Varsity Band has suffered through this kind of ritualistic crass conduct. Many have made that behavior apparent to him. Some don't even try out for fear of years of hazing; few that do so speak out for fear of internal punishment.
Simply speaking to senior leadership in the band is ineffectual: they are the ones who orchestrate this behavior, and they are the ones who benefit most from it. What they went through as underclassmen has left them with the sense of entitlement to pass that burden onto incoming students. Leckrone is entirely aware of this trickle-down effect.
Assistant conductors attend the parties where this kind of conduct goes on and they ride the buses with students. If Leckrone made any kind of effort to survey the bus drivers, he would know this behavior is both rampant and repugnant.
There have been a number of lawsuits threatened, and a number of students harassed. This is a culture the band has developed intentionally over years and years of abuse. It is seen as a benefit for some to the hard work and dedication demanded of its upperclassmen.
Leckrone has been the director for 38 years. He picks his assistants so he knows better than anyone else the pulse of the band. He is a stickler for the rules as they affect the performance, but nothing more.
In that logic, the ends will always justify the means. To maintain total ignorance is shameful. The Daily Cardinal has taken the safe route and supported Leckrone because he maintains a policy where members are fined for using the F-bomb. As it turns out, that is the least of Leckrones worries. While ignorance may be bliss, it certainly is no excuse.
Bob Probst
UW law student
Former band member
