BLOOMINGTON, IN – Indiana University officials are in the hot seat after a public records request pulled back the curtain on one of IU’s most secretive groups.
The Marching Hundred began in 1896, founded by a troupe of students born into immense wealth and influence.
It has long been assumed that the band of affluent socialites simply accumulated membership until it reached a decided upon limit of 100. Until now.
“This is Watergate level intrigue,” said alumnus Harold Davis. “For over a century we all just took the group at its word. I’m in shock.”
A Freedom of Information Act request was anonymously made to require the Marching Hundred to make public decades of internal documents.
A court battle ensued and ultimately ended when a Federal Court held that the Marching Hundred, as an affiliate of a public university, must handover the information.
“This is really a victory for transparency and accountability,” said government watchdog David Haskins. “Beating a major university in court is rare, and to compel a notoriously secret group to come clean is all the more remarkable.”
Marching Hundred leadership held a press conference and confirmed that membership indeed exceeds 100. There are currently 270 members.
“It is with great humility that I present to the public the truth about the Marching Hundred,” said Director Dr. Aaron Hadley. “We always felt that the public would admonish us if we acknowledged a departure from our founders. We are truly sorry.”
For now, the band intends to keep its name.
Limestone Ledger 
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