Fort Valley State University band suspended pending hazing probe. What we know
Fort Valley State University has suspended all activities of its Blue Machine Marching Band amid recent hazing allegations, according to school officials.
All band activity is on hold pending an investigation into the allegations, university spokesperson Britney Smith said in a statement Thursday afternoon. The suspension went into effect on Wednesday, she added.
“FVSU takes acts of hazing and allegations seriously,” Smith said in an email. “The safety and well-being of our students and Wildcat community are always our top priority.”
The case was turned over to the Fort Valley Police Department after campus police looked into the matter on Wednesday, according to a redacted criminal case report provided by school officials.
“The Office of Legal and Government Affairs is conducting the investigation pursuant to our administrative policy and investigation procedure on acts of hazing,” the university said. “There is also a parallel but separate criminal investigation being conducted.”
The band’s suspension comes as the university was recently named the No. 1 public Historically Black College and University in Georgia for the eighth consecutive year and just days before the start of its weeklong homecoming season.
Thursday afternoon, Smith said there were no further details available regarding the investigation.
At this time, it is unclear how many students may be involved, what specific hazing allegations are being investigated or how long the suspension will last. Smith did not immediately respond to questions regarding when the probe began or if FVSU band inactivity will impact homecoming.
“We are unable to state whether homecoming will be impacted, as the investigation is still ongoing,” Smith said Friday moring, citing that she does not have information on the specific allegations.
Fort Valley State University has not announced any changes about its homecoming schedule on social media platforms. Hours after providing a statement concerning the hazing allegations, the university posted on its Facebook to notify stakeholders that homecoming plans are set.
FVSU homecoming festivities are set to kick off September 28 with an annual Gospel Explosion concert.
The university’s anti-hazing policy defines hazing as “any activity or situation intentionally or unintentionally created, with or without consent of any or all parties, whether on or off the university’s or organization’s premises that: (1) endangers the mental or physical health of the participants; which produces physical discomfort; which subjects the individual to embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule; or which creates excessive fatigue; or (2) threatens physical or psychological harm to the individual; which requires participation by the individual in quests, treasure/scavenger hunts, stunts, morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; which requires late or early work sessions; or any activity that is not consistent with the laws, rituals, and policies of the organization or the regulations and policies of the university.”
“Any individual member or members of the organization participating in hazing activities will forfeit the organization’s campus privileges, including its rights to license or its existence on the campus,” the FVSU student handbook says.
Possible sanctions for hazing violations include expulsion, suspension, a fine of not less than $500, probation or community service.
Under the Max Gruver Act, which took effect in Georgia on July 1, 2021, universities are required to address and publish information about student organizations responsible for hazing.
Past reports of hazing at FVSU have reportedly included incidents where new members of Alpha Beta Chi were paddled and forced to perform calisthenics, and new members of the Delta Theta Chapter of Gamma Sigma Sigma were asked to meet off campus and conduct exercise routines, according to the university’s website.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
This story was originally published September 26, 2025 at 10:12 AM.