Mandatory Anti-Hazing Forum on Dec. 5

Florida A&M’s Student Government Association has scheduled a mandatory anti-hazing forum for all student organizations for Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m.

In response to the death of Robert Champion, SGA has decided to gather representatives from each student organization to discuss the issue of hazing.

“It’s extremely important for students to attend this anti-hazing forum in light of the event that just occurred,” said Alexandria Collins, SGA director of communications and a third-year broadcast journalism student from Tallahassee, Fla.

“It’s unfortunate that something like this had to happen for light to be shed on hazing, but hopefully we can stop things like this from happening on campus and around the nation.”

There will be speakers at the forum to speak with students on the issue of hazing. Some of the speakers include university officials like President James Ammons and Dean of Students Henry Kirby. Ammons and Kirby will present their vision for the future of the university and where they want to see the university and student body improve.

“This will be a lot more in-depth because of the incident that occurred,” said Collins. “We’ll make sure that we elaborate on what hazing is and make students understand the importance of standing up against hazing.”

Breyon Love, SGA president, was talking with Ammons and they came to the conclusion that change needed to be made by the students.

“The issue that happened with some of our fellow students didn’t happen because of administrators,” said Love. “It’s a culture that we have within our student body and we need to address it together. That’s why it has to be a student-led initiative.”

Organizations are warned that if they are not represented during the mandatory forum, SGA will impose sanctions on those organizations. Marvin Green, director of student activities, confirmed that student organizations not in attendance will be placed on inactive status.

The event is expected to last about one hour and students will be given anti-hazing pledges to sign. All students are welcome to participate in the anti-hazing forum, even if they are not part of an organization yet.

Depending on the results, it is possible similar forums will be held in the future, Love said.