A dozen students who played in Florida A&M’s famed marching band with Decatur native Robert Champion, including some from metro Atlanta, face up to 15 years in prison for his death in the landmark hazing incident from last year. Jeff Ashton, the newly elected state attorney for Orange and Osceola counties in Florida, upgraded the [...]
First Defendant Sentenced For Role In Death Of FAMU Drum Major
October 22, 2012 | Posted by
The first of a dozen defendants charged in the hazing death of Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champion escaped a judge’s wrath, but wasn’t as fortunate in landing forgiveness from the grieving parents. Champion, 26, was a member of the college’s famed “Marching 100” band when he was beaten to death on Nov. 19 [...]
Clark Atlanta University Band Suspended Because of Hazing Allegations
September 3, 2012 | Posted by
The Clark-Atlanta University band has been temporarily suspended by the school while it investigates allegations that the band has been hazing band members. The Benjamin E. Mays High School band played in its place on Saturday for the halftime show between Clark Atlanta and the University of West Alabama at Clark’s stadium in Atlanta. When [...]
FAMU Seeking Mediation in Hazing Death Lawsuit
August 16, 2012 | Posted by
Florida A&M University trustees approved a motion today to proceed with mediation with the family of Robert Champion, the Marching 100 drum major who died on a band bus Nov. 19 following a hazing ritual. Rick Mitchell, an attorney from Orlando, is representing the university in its defense. He said the university’s goal is to [...]
In Wake of Robert Champion Death, Black Fraternities and Sororities Form Coalition Against Hazing
June 1, 2012 | Posted by
In the wake of the hazing death of Florida A&M drum major Robert Champion, and the subsequent charges against 13 of the band’s members, a coalition of black fraternities and sororities has come together to speak out against hazing practices. The coalition, led by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. and member Al Sharpton, addressed reporters [...]
Defendant: Florida A&M Drum Major Who Died Wanted to be Hazed
May 23, 2012 | Posted by
A Florida A&M drum major who died after being hazed on a bus asked to go through the ordeal because it was seen as an honor, a criminal defendant in the case said in a deposition released Wednesday Robert Champion, 26, had asked all season to go through the hazing ritual, defendant Jonathan Boyce said. [...]
Robert Champion Family Charges FAMU With Coverup, Calls for Band to Be Disbanded
May 4, 2012 | Posted by
The family of Robert Champion, the FAMU band member who was killed in a hazing incident, continued to put pressure on the school to take action, calling for the marching band to be discontinued and charging through their attorney that the school’s alumni engaged in a cover-up by coaching students before their testimony. The family [...]
Robert Champion’s Mother: Prosecutors Should Set an Example With FAMU Hazing Charges
May 3, 2012 | Posted by
Pam Champion, who lost her son Robert to hazing by FAMU band members last September, said she was disappointed that most of the 13 band members charged in the case are facing felony hazing, which brings a maximum sentence of just six years. Asked by CNN’s Anderson Cooper whether she was hoping for murder or [...]
