Local

Robert Champion’s Parents React to FAMU Lifting Suspension

June 28th, 2013

Florida A&M University is lifting the suspension of its famed marching band a year and a half after a fatal hazing incident.

A broadcast version of this story

In November of 2011, the Marching 100’s drum major, Robert Champion of DeKalb County Georgia, died after being beaten in a parked bus after a football game.

The incident led to the band director’s retirement and the university president’s resignation. It also raised questions about the culture of hazing.

FAMU’s interim president announced Thursday the university has taken the necessary steps to investigate and prevent hazing.

But Robert Champion’s mother, Pam Champion, says the suspension wasn’t long enough.

“The safety of the students is the first and foremost importance of the school and of that band, so that should be your first consideration before you even think of putting that band back on the field,” she said.

The Champions have sued FAMU, claiming the school long-ignored band hazing.