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 […]
News
Amtrak to Make Come Back in Tallahassee
New discussions are underway to revive the defunct Amtrak commuter rail line in Tallahassee, and redeveloping the station near Florida A&M’s campus. The Amtrak route once connected Tallahassee to other stations. The Gulf Coast Connector’s Sunset Limited was discontinued in late 2005 after Hurricane Katrina destroyed many of the tracks, […]
Band Members Speak Out
The Famuan received reports from at least 13 present band members who witnessed Robert Champion being forced onto Bus C, a bus with a reputation for hazing. The band members were interviewed independently. They asked to remain anonymous for fear of retribution. The Famuan decided to honor that request. The […]
SGA Wants ‘Commons’ Open All Day for Student Use
Florida A&M may be getting a 24-hour facility for students to study next semester. SGA President Breyon Love said FAMU doesn’t have the funding for a 24-hour library. SGA, however, is working to have The University Commons opened all day. “Student government is looking into sponsoring, for the last two […]
Hazing at FAMU: Students Tells Stories of Violence, Mistreatment
By Peter McKay Special to The Famuan Last week, I began coordinating with FAMU student-journalists to collect reports from victims and witnesses of hazing at the university using a simple Web form. As a proud alumnus heartbroken by the death of Robert Champion, I felt it was vital to collaborate […]
Dismissed Marching “100” Students Revealed
After the death of Florida A&M drum major Robert Champion, four students have been dismissed from the university. Head Drum Major Jonathan Boyce, a 24-year-old senior from Marietta, Ga., along with fellow drum majors Shawn Turner, 25, from Atlanta and Rikki Willis, 23, from Miami, were all dismissed by the […]
Students, Faculty Enjoy Annual Tree-Lighting
On Thursday evening, Florida A&M’s Office of Student Activities hosted the annual Christmas Tree Lighting on the quadrangle in front of the Eternal Flame. Following the World AIDS Day Vigil, the Christmas tree lighting was open to all students and staff members who wished to be present. The Christmas tree […]
Hazing Has Consequences, University Guidelines are Clear
Hazing was deemed illegal by the state of Florida and Florida A&M in 2005, yet in 2011, students and administrators could face legal action due to the issue. The Florida A&M University Regulations Anti-Hazing Policy defines hazing as “pressuring or coercing the student into violating state or federal law, any […]
Legal Woes May Be on the Horizon for FAMU
Dec. 2 3:15 p.m. The Famuan has learned that Attorney Willie Gary will serve as co-counsel with Attorney Charles Hobbs in former Director of Bands Julian White’s planned lawsuit against Florida A&M. 2:03 p.m. Florida A&M’s Student Government Association will hold a “mandatory” Anti-Hazing Forum in the Jake Gaither Gymnasium on Monday, […]
Hazing Complaints Not New to White
Law enforcement investigations surrounding claims of hazing in Florida A&M’s Marching “100” did not just happen after the death of Robert Champion. Before his death, at least 26 other band members were suspended during the football season. Bria Hunter, a first-year graphic communication student from Atlanta, was taken to the […]