AP: Ammons Wants Only Full-Time Students in ‘100’

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Florida A&M University is proposing sweeping changes to its famed Marching “100” band.

FAMU President James Ammons on Monday said he wants to limit the band to full-time FAMU students. Ammons also wants to put in more rigorous academic requirements and a four-year limit on how long students can play in the band.

Ammons suspended the band shortly after the November death of drum major Robert Champion. Eleven FAMU band members face felony hazing charges, while two others face misdemeanor counts for their roles in Champion’s death.

Ammons last month announced the band would remain off the field for the next year while FAMU tries to cleanse the hazing culture that surrounds the band.

University trustees are scheduled to discuss anti-hazing efforts this week.

Editor’s note: In a May interview with The Famuan, Ammons declared that he would not consider reinstating the band before the end of the 2012-2013 school year (See: Attached story).