Florida A&M University Lifts Marching 100's Suspension for Hazing Death of Robert Champion
ByFlorida A&M University (FAMU) had its suspension, stemming from the hazing death of drum major Robert Champion, lifted, ABC Tallahassee reported.
On Nov. 29, 2011, while parked outside an Orlando hotel, the "Marching 100" put Champion through its traditional and vicious hazing ritual. He collapsed and died on the bus that night.
According to court documents, Champion, 26, had to walk from one end of the pitch-black bus to the other, but all the members of the marching band could do whatever they wanted to stop him from doing so. His torso was covered completely in bruises from band members punching, kicking and beating him with sticks, while even being held down at one point to prolong the hazing.
Over 2,000 pages of evidence, released in March 2012, detailed the assault of Champion. Twelve FAMU band members have been charged with manslaughter in the homicide case and Champion's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the school.
The incident led to the resignation of the university's president and the retirement of band director. FAMU hired Sylvester Young last month as the new band director.
According to the Associated Press, interim president Larry Robinson said at the press conference Thursday that the school is investigating preventative measures against hazing.
"It has helped us to respond more swiftly and decisively to any allegations of hazing and any university group, emphasizing our board's policy of zero tolerance towards hazing," Robinson said. "We're moving in the right direction."
Young said the band is rehearsing once again and hopes to be ready and able to perform for the start of the football season.
"When considering all of the measures we have put in place, I believe this constitutes us having the right conditions," Robinson said. "Dr. Sylvester Young, will decide when the band is ready for public performances."
Young told the AP he was not sure the band would be prepared in time for the school's Sept. 1 opening game.
The "Marching 100" was a nationally famous and highly regarded marching band. They have played at such events as the Super Bowl and presidential inaugurations.