The Terms – the musical face of the “Welcome to the Now” University public relations campaign – will not be “welcomed” at the Student on Target’s annual Groovin’ on the Grounds music festival.
The Terms, a local band of several University students, will not have any live involvement in the festival after the SOT executive staff members voted this weekend to stop their appearance.
Ryan Cooney, SOT director, sent a letter to Student Government President Michelle Gieg on Wednesday saying SOT decided The Terms’ involvement and the “Welcome to the Now” campaign did not match the festival’s purpose – alcohol awareness.
Gieg said SOT made a “responsible decision.”
“We tried to look at this from a lot of different angles,” Gieg said. “We wanted to keep the integrity of Students on Target.”
SG Solicitor General Stephen Wright released Wednesday inquiry findings as the result of SG Arts and Sciences Senator Heath Hattaway’s Feb. 3 request.
In the e-mail, Hattaway formally requested an inquiry into “the role University Relations played on bringing The Terms to the Groovin’ on the Grounds festival.”
In the findings, Wright collected testimony from seven SOT members.
Jay Moore, SOT concert co-chair, wrote that The Terms’ appearance would “have too many negative impacts” on the festival.
“Public Affairs pushed on to get The Terms to perform,” Moore wrote.
Wright said his position is to serve as an “ethical watchdog,” but further action, if necessary, must be determined by the Senate.
Ben Labat, business senior and The Terms’ lead singer, said he has “no worries” about the decision.
“We’re in the band,” Labat said. “We don’t want to cause any fuss.”
Labat said the band heard rumors about playing at Groovin’ on the Grounds but were never officially informed about the controversial situation.
“I had no idea,” Labat said. “It would be great to do something for LSU.”
Labat said he still hopes the band will be able to play live on campus with the Tiger Band in the near future.
SOT has not released a complete lineup of performers who will play at Groovin’ on the Grounds.
 
Contact Amy Brittain at [email protected]