FVSU band back in action, but some members remain suspended during hazing probe

Fort Valley State University has lifted the suspension of its Blue Machine Marching Band, allowing the organization to return to official activities after a recent internal investigation, university officials announced Monday evening.

The decision comes as the investigation into allegations of hazing continue, with some band members remaining suspended pending the outcome of disciplinary hearings, the school said.

“The Office of Student Conduct continues to review individual matters, and a few members remain on suspension pending the outcome of the hearing process,” the university said in a statement. “We appreciate the cooperation of band members and university partners throughout this process.”

Two women were arrested in early October after a criminal investigation uncovered evidence of hazing within the Blue Machine Marching Band, according to Fort Valley State University officials and law enforcement.

Arika Tolbert, 21, and Jayla Williams, 20 were taken into custody on separate hazing charges, incident reports show. A warrant was also issued for a third woman, age 25, who was not taken into custody, authorities said.

Tolbert and Williams were both arrested on Oct. 1, according to a media arrest summary complied by the Peach County Sheriff’s Office. The arrests were not made at or near the scene of the offense scene, according to the incident report.

The arrests stemmed from a hazing report filed Sept. 24, the same day university officials suspended all activities of the Blue Machine Marching Band, the university previously told The Telegraph. The suspension lasted during the university’s homecoming week.

After a university officer interviewed a student about the alleged hazing incident, the information was turned over to the Fort Valley Police Department, which later concluded there was “sufficient evidence to support charges of hazing,” according to police and university officials.

Details about the alleged acts leading to the arrests have not yet been released.

Neither the university nor police have provided additional information about the arrests, including whether Tolbert and Williams were members of the band prior to the allegations and if they are still suspended.

University officials previously announced that they have conducted an independent administrative investigation in accordance with school and University System of Georgia policies, as well as the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act.

“The University remains committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all students and will continue to enforce its policies to ensure the well-being of our campus community,” FVSU said, adding that updates would be provided as the internal investigation progresses.

This story was originally published October 13, 2025 at 7:23 PM.