Rep. Jones Tells FAMU Board to 'Stand Firm' Against Scott

State Rep. Mia Jones, D-Jacksonville, wants the Florida A&M board of trustees to "stand firm" against Gov. Rick Scott's call for FAMU President James Ammons to be suspended amid the ongoing investigation into the school's marching band.

Scott called for the board of trustees to suspend Ammons until the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation is completed. The FDLE is investigating the hazing death of a member of the Marching 100 band that the Orange County Medical Examiner on Friday ruled a homicide.

The FAMU board of trustees is set to meet Monday on Scotts recommendation.

Jones' statement:

REPRESENTATIVE MIA JONES CALLS ON FAMU BOARD of TRUSTEES TO ACT IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS AUTHORITY WITHOUT POLITICAL INFLUENCE

TALLAHASSEE State Representative Mia Jones (D-Jacksonville), chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus (FLBC), encourages the members of the FAMU Board of Trustees to stand firm and without reservation to carry out the powers and duties vested in them by the laws of the State of Florida, without influence from political forces.

"Since the untimely and unfortunate death of FAMU Drum Major Robert Champion, I have expressed the sympathy of our membership to the Champion family, and without reservation, we stand against hazing and violence of any kind on any campus within the state of Florida and across the nation.

"We have great concern for the manner in which this matter is being handled. We are anxiously awaiting the final investigative reports from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the universitys special independent task force and the state university system chancellor. Each should be given the opportunity to complete their investigation before any permanent action is taken.

"Governor Rick Scott is our states chief executive officer, and while he is certainly entitled to an opinion, his actions or influences on the management and governing of the University could jeopardize FAMUs accreditation under the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Under the SAC Comprehensive Standard 3.2.4, it states that `the governing board is free from undue influence from political, religious or other external bodies and protects the institution from such influence.'

"It is the position of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus (FLBC) that the board of trustees be allowed to fulfill its duties in the manner outlined in Florida statutes without influence from the legislative or executive branch of government. We trust that the board will act decisively, firmly, and in the best interest of Florida A&M University."