FAMU Seeking Mediation in Hazing Death Lawsuit

Hazing victim, drum major Robert Champion

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 be dismissed from the lawsuit, which includes the bus company and bus driver.

The university was added as a defendant in Champion’s parents’ lawsuit in July. The wrongful-death lawsuit claims school officials failed to stop hazing in its famous marching band.

School officials “failed to properly supervise, train, discipline and control the FAMU Band,” the lawsuit said.

Read more: Tallahassee Democrat

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