#SilentShowtime: Howard U. Marching Band goes silent after not receiving scholarship money

WASHINGTON - Howard University's Showtime Marching Band has gone silent in protest because they say they haven't received scholarship money from the school's administration. It started at Saturday's football game, when the band wore all black as they performed, staging a #SilentShowtime protest. Video from their performance was posted on YouTube.

Students say the band members are supposed to get funding from the organization's budget and student scholarships. But so far, one student told TheeTru1Project blog--which has been reporting on the demonstrations--not one member of the band has received any scholarship money. And, according to the blog, when students tried to reach out to ask the administration why, they got no answers.

As a result, the band is taking a stand. They say they want answers and a plan of action on the band budget and student scholarships, and until they get it, they'll remain silent. Students posted about the situation on Instagram, using the hashtag #SilentShowtime.

Howard University released the following statement on Tuesday, apologizing to band members for the inconvenience:

Howard University strongly supports the Showtime Marching Band and Concert Band and apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the recent delay of marching band scholarship applications. The Howard University Showtime Marching Band and Concert Band both have a rich legacy at the institution and university officials met with students to understand their concerns. The University will honor all scholarship commitments made to currently enrolled participants and is actively working to apply these awards as soon as possible.