Harvard student orchestra that was suspended did not violate hazing policy, school finds

"After suspending the Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra in September amid questions about an off-campus retreat, Harvard College has determined the student group didn't violate its hazing policy, after all. Federico Cortese, the student-run orchestra's music director and conductor, confirmed Harvard's Administrative Board and Dean of Students Office both dropped the hazing charge. He did not respond to a request for further comment."

"News of the group's suspension came shortly after the orchestra's annual retreat to the Greenwood Music Camp in Cummington, the Crimson reported at the time. According to the student newspaper, returning HRO members blindfolded new recruits, brought them outside, walked them up and down a hill, and asked them to tap an upperclassman once for a drink of water or twice for a shot of vodka."

"The suspension, which lasts through the end of the semester in mid-December, impacts only the orchestra's activities as a social group, not as an orchestra. The orchestra has continued to perform under its academic class number - Music 110 - instead of the HRO name. Speaking to Boston.com in September, Cortese described the incident as an "unfortunate and very unexpected situation.""

Harvard College initially suspended the Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra after questions arose about an off-campus retreat but later found the group did not violate its hazing policy. The Administrative Board and Dean of Students Office dropped the hazing charge, though the orchestra remains suspended through December and faces probation next spring for holding unregistered social events and providing alcohol to minors. A Harvard spokesperson declined to comment, citing student records. Reports described returning members blindfolding new recruits, walking them up and down a hill, and instructing taps for water or vodka. The ensemble continues to perform under its academic listing, Music 110.

Read at Boston.com