FVSU band sidelined for homecoming after hazing arrests, alumni respond
Arrests have been made following a criminal investigation that uncovered evidence of hazing in the Fort Valley State University Blue Machine Marching Band, the school announced Thursday morning.
University officials said the Fort Valley Police Department has concluded its investigation into the marching band and determined there was “sufficient evidence to support charges of hazing.” Officials did not immediately disclose the number of people arrested or details of the alleged incidents.
FVSU is conducting its own independent administrative investigation in compliance with university and University System of Georgia policies, as well as the Stop Campus Hazing Act. University officials said the process is ongoing and involves further steps beyond the initial law enforcement inquiry.
Due to the ongoing investigation, the Blue Machine Marching Band remains suspended and will not perform this weekend at the school’s homecoming events.
“We understand the seriousness of this situation and the impact it has on our community, particularly during Homecoming season,” the university said. “Our top priority is the safety and well-being of all our students and the entire Wildcat community.”
No additional information was provided prior to publication.
Last week, Fort Valley State University officials provided a redacted incident report to The Telegraph, which confirmed the Fort State Valley Police Department was handling the case.
Local law enforcement have not responded to multiple requests for comment.
The hazing complaint was reported on Sept. 24, according to the incident report. The Blue Machine Marching Band’s suspension went into effect the same day, university spokesperson Britney Smith previously told The Telegraph.
FVSU alumni respond
The band’s suspension, announced just days before homecoming week, has sparked a strong response from FVSU alumni, students and supporters, according to FVSU National Alumni Association Inc. President Garren Walker. In a statement, Walker acknowledged the deep disappointment felt throughout the university community.
“The Blue Machine Marching Band has long been a source of pride and tradition for Fort Valley State University, especially during homecoming, and we recognize how deeply this impacts the Wildcat family,” Walker said in the statement.
Garren shared that he has received a high volume of messages regarding the matter, with some of them focused on discontent with the band’s absense.
“While we are all disheartened by the situation, what is most troubling is to see greater concern about the band’s absence at homecoming than about the well-being of our students who may be affected physically, mentally and emotionally,” Garren said. “At the end of the day, the students are the most important part of this University—they are the reason we exist. Their safety, health, and growth must always remain our first priority.
Walker advised alumni and supporters to remember that “students are the most important part of the university” and that their safety, health and growth must remain a first priority.
He urged the community to respond with ethics and respect, warning that negative comments, especially on social media, could be harmful to students.
“Our students deserve respect, encouragement, and support, not criticism or disparagement,” Walker wrote. “As we have always done, we will make the most of every situation, uplift one another, and pray for a safe and successful homecoming weekend.”
This is a developing story and may be updated as more information becomes available.
This story was originally published October 2, 2025 at 9:55 AM.