Lawyers in fired Ohio State band director suit reined in

COLUMBUS (AP) — A federal judge says he’s intervening in the evidence-gathering process in the gender-discrimination claim of Ohio State University’s fired marching band director because of the “discouraging” behavior of the lawyers.

In an order issued Wednesday, U.S. District Judge James Graham scolded attorneys for the university and for ex-director Jonathan Waters for overreaching, intricate and convoluted filings.

He set the course forward himself, allowing Waters’ team to question only two people: Ohio State President Michael Drake, who fired Waters last summer, and Chris Glaros, the compliance investigator whose report prompted the dismissal. Asking about their role in the firing or any gender-related biases they may have is fair game.

Ohio State’s arts-and-sciences dean, music school director and each university trustee also must submit an affidavit stating any role in Waters’ firing.