FAMU

Former Band Member On Trial In Florida A&M Hazing Death

By • Oct 28, 2014

Three years after Florida A&M student Robert Champion died after a beating on a bus, a member of the university's marching band is on trial for manslaughter. Prosecutors say it was hazing. The defense says it was a tradition more akin to an athletic accomplishment — and one Champion joined in willingly.

FAMU Brings Anti-Hazing Message To South Florida Through Music

By Jessica Meszaros • Feb 25, 2014
Jessica Meszaros / WLRN

Florida A&M University's music department toured South Florida this past weekend to recruit high school students and promote its anti-hazing stance. After their drum major Robert Champion of the Marching 100 was beaten to death in 2011 during a hazing incident, the university is trying to get young musicians to feel safe at their institution. 

New Band Director Says Florida A&M Must March Forward

By • Jul 16, 2013

Transcript

DAVID GREENE, HOST:

This is MORNING EDITION from NPR News. Good morning, I'm David Greene.

RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:

And I'm Renee Montagne.

Let's go now to a university that's rebuilding its marching band. Florida A&M University recently lifted its suspension of the group known as the Marching 100. The band had been suspended since 2011 when a hazing that went too far ended in the death of one of the band's drum majors, Robert Champion. Champion's parents aren't happy about the university moving forward so quickly.

Florida A&M Lifts Suspension Of 'Marching 100' Band

Florida A&M's interim president announced Thursday that he was lifting the suspension of the school's famed "Marching 100" band.

The band had been suspended since November 2011, following the hazing-related death of one of its drum majors.

In a statement, interim President Larry Robinson said the re-institution of the band comes after "sweeping changes" that address hazing.

FAMU Hazing Trial Begins Monday, Champion's Parents Talk To Katie Couric

By • Oct 5, 2012
Ida Asute/Disney-ABC Domestic Television

Eleven people accused in the fatal beating of Florida A&M University (FAMU) drum major Robert Champion are scheduled to go on trial this Monday.

They’re facing felony charges of hazing resulting in death.

All are connected to FAMU’s famed Marching 100 band, which has been suspended indefinitely.

The hazing happened after a football game in Orlando last November.