Rice Issues Apology for Marching Band's Formation Referring to Baylor's Sexual Assault Scandal

Last night, during halftime of the Baylor at Rice game, Rice's Marching Owl Band took to their home field and formed out some symbols that were a little too referential to Baylor's recent sex scandal—to the point that it upset some. And today, Rice issued an apology for the band's actions.

Here's the statement from David Ruth, the director of national media relations in Rice's Office of Public Affairs:

The Marching Owl Band, or MOB, has a tradition of satirizing the Rice Owls' football opponents. In this case, the band's calling attention to the situation at Baylor was subject to many different interpretations. Although the band's halftime shows are entirely the members' projects with no prior review by the university administration, we regret any offense, particularly if Baylor fans may have felt unwelcome in our stadium. While we know that the MOB did not intend in any way to make light of the serious issue of sexual assault, we are concerned that some people may have interpreted the halftime performance in that vein. Sexual assault is a matter of serious concern on campuses across the nation, and all of us have an obligation to address the matter with all the tools at our disposal. The MOB sought to highlight the events at Baylor by satirizing the actions or inactions of the Baylor administration, but it is apparent from the comments of many spectators and Baylor fans that the MOB's effort may have gone too far.

The band made out two formations: one of the roman numerals IX—a not-so-vague Title IX nod about the type of law suits filed against the school by the victims of sexual assault—and another of a star, seemingly referring to Baylor's ex-president Ken Starr.

Holy crap Rice's halftime show is just the Rice band making fun of Baylor for the program's sexual assault scandal. pic.twitter.com/IH6Lg03wrJ
— Tom Middlescreen (@bdbsport) September 17, 2016

According to the Houston Chronicle, an announcer said over the loudspeaker as the IX formation rolled out on to the field, "There are nine judges on the Supreme Court or is it?" The star was also displayed to the tune of "Hit the Road, Jack."