Scott Backs Decision to Postpone FAMU Hazing Task Force

Gov. Rick Scott supported the decision by James Ammons, Florida A&M University president, to postpone a planned task force as two investigations are underway into the actions of the Marching 100 band.

When something like this happens, what we ought to be doing is make sure it doesn't happen again, Scott said Friday in the Capitol.

The task force was scheduled to meet Monday to review anti-hazing regulations at the university as a response to the Nov. 19 death of band member Robert Champion.

Ammons, late Thursday, decided to hold off on the meeting after receiving input from the governor, a release from FAMU stated.

Based upon input from the governors office and in light of the recently announced November 29 investigation by the Board of Governors, I believe it will be prudent to postpone the work of the task force to allow this and other investigations to be pursued with our full cooperation and attention, Ammons stated in the release from the university.

Scott said he didnt ask Ammons to postpone the task force meeting, but agreed the president made a prudent decision, waiting until the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida Board of Governors complete investigations into Champions death.

It makes sense to allow the FDLE investigation to happen first, Scott said.

The university has also asked Chancellor Frank Brogan to determine whether the university administration took appropriate action to address the hazing activities.