Attorney Says Suit Planned in FAMU Band Death

Freida Frisaro of the Associated Press wrote an article titled, “Attorney Says Suit Planned in FAMU Band Death.” Recently, Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champion died in what authorities suspect was a hazing incident. He was found on a bus parked outside an Orlando hotel vomiting and complaining that he couldn’t breathe shortly before he collapsed. HIs family plans to sue the school.

The cause of Champion’s death is still uncertain and could take up to three months to learn of exactly what killed him however, he shows signs of hazing. In Florida, any death involving hazing is a third-degree felony. His family hopes a lawsuit against the school will help raise awareness about the issue of band hazing at FAMU.

Usually, at historically black schools the band is something that is prized. Band members are respected just as much, if not more, than athletes at those schools. That being said, I am not surprised at all that serious hazing takes place. The article mentions other HBCUs around the country that have experienced the same problem as FAMU. It does not say how these issues were handled or what is being done to stop it. I am interested to see how far FAMU will go to not lose this lawsuit.