Georgia school system lifts ban on marching bands

DECATUR, Ga. (AP) - DeKalb County school officials say a ban on marching band activities has been lifted, but the metro Atlanta school system will continue to look into reports of inappropriate behavior within marching bands.

Fallout from the death of a Florida A&M University drum major had broadened to the DeKalb County schools in December, when most marching band activities were suspended over concerns of "inappropriate physical activity."

The Georgia district began its own investigation after Robert Champion died in Orlando Nov. 19. The Florida A&M drum major, who was a Southwest DeKalb High graduate, was found unresponsive after a university football game. Authorities said his death involved hazing.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported DeKalb County Schools Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson announced at a Wednesday news conference that the ban was being lifted.