A fired Ohio State University marching band director has dropped all his legal claims against the university in exchange for it agreeing not to try to recover its costs from him.
Jonathan Waters was fired in July 2014. The university says he ignored a "sexualized culture" inside what's known to fans as The Best Damn Band in the Land.
Waters denied wrongdoing and sued for reinstatement and damages in federal court, alleging gender discrimination. Separate litigation in state court alleged defamation. Both lawsuits were dismissed over the past month.
Waters says he's disappointed a jury never got to hear his case but gratified members of the public were on his side. A spokesman says the university is pleased the litigation is over.
You can read the entire statement below.
Jonathan Waters, former director of The Ohio State University Marching and Athletic Bands, has voluntarily dismissed all of his claims against the University, including all appeals, in exchange for the University not seeking to recover its costs from him, as OSU would be entitled to do as the prevailing party. The decision by Mr. Waters to terminate his two pending cases leaves in place the prior rulings of the U.S. District Court in Columbus and the Ohio Court of Claims, which both found against Mr. Waters. Ohio State is pleased this litigation is now concluded and all parties can move forward.
Previous Coverage:
- Jon Waters Breaks Silence On OSU Marching Band Firing
- Fired Band Director Jon Waters Files Lawsuit Against Ohio State University
- Former Ohio State Marching Band Member Speaks Out About Tongue-In-Cheek Calendar Found In Waters’ Office
- Judge: Ohio State didn't defame Jon Waters
- Jon Waters hired as director of bands at Heidelberg University
