A medical examiner’s report found that Florida A&M drum major, Robert Champion Jr.’s death was caused by blunt force trauma, moments after a hazing incident Nov. 19 and has been ruled a homicide. Hazing was suspected to be a factor in the 26-year-old’s death. Only after the release of the […]
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Governor Calls for President Ammons’s Immediate Suspension
After being briefed by members of his senior staff, Florida governor Rick Scott recommended that Florida A&M president, James H. Ammons, be immediately suspended Thursday pending the outcome of the investigation of the death of Robert Champion Jr. Solomon Badger, Board of Trustees Chairman, was asked by the governor to […]
Champion’s Parents Use Social Media to Honor Son
The parents of Florida A&M student Robert Champion, Pamela and Robert Champion Sr., have created a Facebook page, “Drum Major for Change! Robert D. Champion.” The page is focused on giving individuals an outlet to “share stories and leave comments” Champion’s mother explained in a Dec. 8 interview on Michel […]
Tallahassee Police Arrest Three Band Members on Hazing Charges
Three Florida A&M students were arrested Monday following an investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department of the potential hazing incident involving Bria Hunter that occurred last month. Aaron Golson, 19, Sean Hobson, 22, and James Harris, 23, were each arrested on one count of hazing and one count of battery after warrants were issued […]
University Reverses White’s Dismissal, Student Suspension
After a recommendation from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Florida A&M has temporarily suspended all disciplinary actions taken against students and Julian White. As of Dec. 6, Julian White, director of bands, was placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. This means that the […]
FAMU: ‘Common’ Lecture Canceled
Florida A&M announced this week the cancelation of Saturday’s lecture featuring rapper, actor and author Common. A press release from the university confirmed only that the event would not happen, and urged ticket buyers to seek refunds at Ticketmaster. The statement did not explain why. It will be the second […]
Students Turn out in Large Numbers for Forum on Hazing
Florida A&M president, James H. Ammons, and the Student Government Association hosted an event in nearly full Gaither Gym Monday evening. The anti-hazing forum was aimed at changing the culture of the university. The event follows the death of Marching “100” member Robert Champion Nov. 19 and swirling allegations that […]
University Makes ‘Alphas’ Inactive after Felony Theft
Florida A&M Friday made the campus chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. inactive following the arrest of four student members recently for felony theft. Christopher Chavannes, 21, Deven Brown, 19, Kevin Noble, 21, and Joshua Smith, 19, spent one night in custody for their alleged involvement in planning to and […]
Students Support White
Former band director Julian White is still receiving support from students and alumni who feel he should be reinstated as Director of Bands for the Florida A&M Marching 100. There are two petitions on change.org, created by Fred Lemons and Melissa Tait, that have received a total of 601 signatures […]
Debt Follows Florida Graduates Long after School
For many college seniors in Florida, the monumental moment of parading across the stage at graduation has been overshadowed by financial woes that await them after graduation. Students are borrowing more money to cover the cost of college than ever before resulting in higher default rates than a year ago. […]