FAMU Chairman: Ammons has 'Responded Appropriately'

Florida A&M University board of trustee chairman Solomon L. Badger backs the suspension of activities for the Florida A&M Marching 100 as an investigation is underway into the death of a drum major.

Badger released a statement Friday supporting the efforts of university president James Ammons, who has also appointed a task force, led by former Attorney General Bob Butterworth and Quincy Police Chief Walt McNeil, to investigate the Oct. 19 death of drum major Robert Champion in Orlando.

Hazing has been alleged.

Gov. Rick Scott has also asked the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to work with Orange County officials in investigating the death.

The following is Badgers release:

"TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The members of the Florida A&M University (FAMU) board of trustees are deeply saddened by the loss of our student Robert Champion. Each of us will keep his family and the FAMU family in our prayers.

"Since the unfortunate incident on Saturday, I have been in constant discussion with President Ammons. He has responded appropriately to this tragic situation and he has taken measures to get to the root cause of what has happened.

"Dr. Ammons has convened an independent task force to review patterns of behavior by the band and to make recommendations regarding matters that should be addressed at the administrative level. He has suspended performances of all band ensembles, including the Marching 100 and has started appropriate personnel actions to also address the current situation.

"Prior to the Florida Classic, there were other measures taken to ensure that students in the band were aware of not only the university policy, but also the penalties under Floridas anti-hazing law. It is my understanding that the cases that were brought to the attention of this administration were referred to the FAMU police department for review.

"There is an ongoing investigation by the Orange County sheriffs office and Florida Department of Law Enforcement. At this time, we are relying on the law enforcement agencies to complete their investigation as well as the task force to issue its report."