Fate of booted JSU Prancing J-Settes still in limbo
Jimmie E. Gates, The Clarion-Ledger With Jackson State University’s football season starting Saturday, the status of some members booted by the school from the popular halftime dance squad Prancing J-Settes remains in limbo
With Jackson State University’s football season starting Saturday, the status remains in limbo of some members booted from the school’s popular halftime dance squad Prancing J-Settes.
A Hinds County chancery judge refused Wednesday to reconsider his decision transferring the case filed on behalf of the booted J-Settes members to Hinds County Circuit Court.
However, Chancery Judge William Singletary didn’t make any comments in his order about the temporary restraining order that was put in place in early August keeping the school from enforcing their decision to boot the students from the squad.
Legal experts, however, say that a temporary restraining order expires after 10 days unless a judge extends it, meaning the one involving the booted members would have expired Aug. 17.
It was originally stated that nine members were booted from the squad, but the case was filed on behalf of six of the booted members.
In arguing for dismissal of the case, attorneys for Jackson State University said it was filed in the wrong court.
“This court lacks jurisdiction to hear petitioners’ challenge to the underlying decision of Jackson State University to discipline its students,” said the motion filed on behalf of JSU by attorney Gregg Mayer. “By statute, the circuit court has jurisdiction to hear appeals of ...tribunals such as Jackson State University.”
The motion said the case filed on behalf of the J-Settes students ignored procedure and improperly obtained a temporary restraining order.
Singletary agreed that circuit court was the proper venue for the case.
Court papers were filed in late July in Hinds County Chancery Court on behalf of about half of the members of the Jackson State University Prancing J-Settes dancing team suspended from the squad for the remainder of their academic careers at the university.
The Prancing J-Settes are a widely popular part of the Sonic Boom of the South marching band’s halftime show at JSU football games.
In July, Jackson State University wouldn’t confirm nor deny the suspensions. “The Prancing J-Settes are and will continue to be an important student organization and an integral part of student life at Jackson State University. The university does not comment on internal disciplinary actions,” said then-Associate Provost of Student Affairs Charles Smith, who is no longer with the university.
Edna Jones Stringer, an attorney and mother of one of the suspended J-Settes, said nine members of the J-Settes were booted from the 16-member squad in June after a hazing allegation was made last year. They cannot have any role with the J-Settes during the remainder of their time at the school. The school also assessed a $300 fine against each student, Stringer said.
A campus security investigation found no evidence of the students engaging in hazing. However, they had to go before an Office of Student Affairs disciplinary committee hearing June 15, leading to a finding that the students violated an aiding and abetting statute by conducting an off-campus J-Settes practice.
Stringer said university officials haven’t been able to articulate a real policy that the young women violated that could lead to such a severe sanction. She said the students would likely lose their scholarships because they were no longer part of the squad.
Replies
Seems like the courts don't want to get involve?
I didn't know they were on scholarships. I understand a little more why they're putting up a fight.
I didn't know that either, I remember watching some type of news thing during Ketta's reign and Mea said they dancers weren't on any band scholarship. But then again some time has passed since then.
P.H. said:
HOW IN THE HELL DO YOU FILE IN THE WRONG COURT? You would think that Mrs. Stringer would have counseled the girls about the proper court and procedures when filing the case. That just does not make any sense to me. The decision to take JSU to court was doomed from the beginning. This just isn't a fight worth fighting any longer. The season officially kicks off tomorrow and I highly doubt there will be another tryout to add more girls. I think the boom will stick with the eight they currently have.
Since it seems JSU doesn't have a real policy that was violated, the girls who were booted should at least be able to keep their scholarships for the remainder of this school year. I would assume that the scholarships they have would pay for 1/4 or half of this school years tuition.
Maybe Dr. Taylor just looked out. Now I understand why they fighting, but man oh man his is getting even more interesting.
justDANCE said:
There is still hope and speculation that the freshmen from last year may get the chance to return, but that's only speculation. With the boom being as big as they are I can see them adding 2-5 more girls for the stands, but hey I will be happy to see what the 8 can bring. I'm sure they will be the squad for the first few games. *Crosses fingers, come on Domo don't let me down lol I think I'm about to have a Nastacia moment bawahahaha
I would love for the girls to return to the squad, however I firmly believe the Sonic Boom will do Just fine with 8 J-Settes. Until the university approves another audition they will have to do with the squad they have. I'm sure Chloe and Dominique have done everything in their power to make sure the new girls are on point. Imo they have had more than enough to help the crabs improve since the merge ended.
I think the Jsettes will look great with 8 girls.
The suspended girls - my opinion is that they sit out this season then the following season the are eligible able to tryout. Hopefully the courts come to that decision. JSU's attorneys are not playing so they need to come to some sort of mediation.
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