FAMU: 'We Are Vigorously Working to Eradicate Hazing'

Florida A&M University board of trustees chairman, Solomon Badger, and James H. Ammons, FAMU president, released the following comments after criminal charges werefiled against 13 students in the hazing death of drum major Robert Champion Jr.

We are vigorously working to eradicate hazing from FAMU and doing everything within our power to ensure an incident like this never happens again. Our hearts and our prayers are with the Champion family and the extended FAMU family as we all continue to deal with this tragedy.

There have been significant steps taken by FAMU in the past five months, with the singular goal to end hazing. They include:

Indefinite suspension of the FAMU Marching Band and cancellation of 2012 FAMU Summer Band Camp for high school students. The suspension is still in place and the status of the band is under review.

Suspension of induction, enrollment, initiation, membership intake and recruitment for all student clubs and organizations until the fall of 2012.

Amending FAMU anti-hazing regulations to include a 24-hour reporting rule for faculty, staff and students, as well as a provision against retaliation.

Formation of an independent FAMU Anti-Hazing Committee comprised of noted national experts from relevant fields to provide valuable research and insight to the FAMU board of trustees on ways to end and prevent hazing.

Announcement of a Florida A&M University anti-hazing research initiative, a $50,000 grant for faculty members to conduct research that will study the nature and extent of hazing behaviors among campus organizations and groups.

Multiple mandatory campus-wide anti-hazing safety forums that have been attended by thousands of students and faculty, fostered important dialogue and encouraged students to sign an anti-hazing pledge.

Real-time communication with FAMU constituents and supporters on zero tolerance for hazing and developments.