Many Florida A&M students disagreed with President James Ammons’ decision to resign later this year. But others insist that Ammons, who had faced scrutiny for the past seven months in the wake of a hazing “crisis,” needed to leave the university.
“I want him back,” said a Kaydia Martin, a senior. It was the same day parents of deceased drum major Robert Champion, Robert and Pamela, added the university to a wrongful death lawsuit. Champion Jr. was killed on Nov. 19, 2011, in Orlando from injuries he sustained in a hazing ritual known as “Crossing Bus ‘C'” following the annual Florida Classic football game.
“I have decided to resign from my position as president,” Ammons wrote to Board of Trustees chairman Solomon Badger Wednesday. After five years as president, Ammons plans to return to the university’s science, technology, engineering and math as a tenured full professor.
Some Florida A&M students are not surprised at the news that President James Ammons resigned Wednesday.
“I’ve been hearing negative things. I feel that his resignation is good,” said Freddy Lynn, a third-year student.
Students surrounded Lee Hall were split in their feelings after the news .
“I feel sad. I feel he shouldn’t have left,” said Dewitt Hughes, a first-year computer science major.
“He should’ve just stuck through it,” said Laquisha Griffin, a first-year business student.
The resignation has altered some students’ decision to continue further education at the university.
“I’m reconsidering going to grad school here after this decision,” said Kiyaunna Strong, a graduating senior.
“It was bound to happen, FAMU will survive,” said Maya Lewis a third-year public relations student.
In the wake of the news, FAMU students planned to have a “prayer vigil” However, the idea was shelved in favor of a town hall session, which has not yet been organized but tentatively scheduled for next week, according to Michael Jefferson, Student Government Association Vice President-elect.