UT fires Sousa as band director
Gary Sousa was removed as UT’s Pride of Southland marching band director Thursday. He will retain his position as a tenured professor.
Sousa’s removal comes after a public debate with university administrators last October concerning funding cuts for the band.
In a letter to Sousa, Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Susan Martin said the university reviewed his conduct and determined his actions were “insubordinate by virtue” because he did not voice his concerns in “the professional manner.”
“Your own statements – in October, during your interview, and in your written response yesterday – demonstrate that you allowed your relationships with key university officials deteriorate to the point that it is no longer possible for you to serve effectively as Director of Bands,” Martin said in the letter.
Sousa has also lost his WJ Julian fellowship and the $15,000 endowment that comes with it. His salary will be reduced from $155,200 to $105,000 beginning April 1.
More details to come as they develop on tnjn.com.
