AP/Lang
9/22/19
Racial slurs and sexual assault and harassment are among the new allegations leveled by members of the University of Iowa marching band after they were allegedly targets of abuse during last weekend’s game at Iowa State University.
Athletic Directors Gary Barta of Iowa and Jamie Pollard of ISU issued a joint statement Thursday saying that they believed it would be difficult to verify the allegations, so their focus going forward would be to ensure that future events would be safer. But on Friday marching band members began taking to social media and contacting news outlets to express their frustrations with the UI administration’s handling of the case. Several band members reported physical injuries, including bruises and, in one case, broken ribs.
The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports Iowa spokeswoman Jeaneane Beck said Friday the school is continuing its investigation to ensure all students have the chance to share their experiences with appropriate authorities.