Queen’s Band to Undergo Human Rights Training

Kicked out of the Santa Claus Parade for vulgar and demeaning language, the country’s largest university marching band has been suspended.

Queen’s University’s century-old marching band has been given a massive time-out. The troupe has been suspended by the university and will not be allowed to participate in Toronto’s Santa Claus Parade this weekend or other band events after the university administration came across vulgar and offensive materials in the band's lyrics and distributed materials. Members have also been asked to undergo human rights training before reviewing their policies. One of their pamphlets allegedly read “I will rape you with a lamp” while another flyer boasted about “perpetuating racial stereotypes since 1905.” Despite the suspension handed out on Friday, the band has not lost its funding and is still allowed to practice.