With some lawmakers saying the school was being made a scapegoat, the Florida A&M board of trustees rejected -- by keeping their president in place -- what they say was political pressure from Gov. Rick Scott.
Scott responded to the boards action with a terse note saying he only suggested what he continues to believe would be in the best interests of the university, but that he will abide by the boards decision.
The board unanimously voted Monday to snub the governors call for President James Ammons to be suspended pending the outcome of state investigations into the hazing death of a member of the Marching 100 band, along with a report of potential financial misconduct involving the university and the school administrations reaction to an on-campus report of child molestation earlier this year.
The board stance came before CNN aired an interview with the parents of the dead band member, who said they have yet totalk directlywith officials from the university and are interested in how the school will make things safer for students.
The board released the following statement after the meeting:
To clarify any concern, we are fully aware of our authority.As is always the case, the board will act with the best interests of the university in mind and will not be influenced by pressure from political or other outside forces.Our deliberations on all matters are underscored by our commitment to pursuing the right path for the university and its future.
"Furthermore, it should be noted that the board is closely monitoring all ongoing investigations. Until information and results from the ongoing investigations are made available to the board, enabling it to effectively conduct a fact-based deliberation on the role of the administration and the president in these matters, the board is deciding to leave the status of the president unchanged. The board is committed to convene and act promptly, as soon as information from the investigating agencies becomes available."
The board earlier reprimanded Ammons over the actions of the Marching 100 and will conduct a performance review of the president in early January.
Since the hazing death investigation began, the FDLE has informed school and state university officials of potential fraud involving employees at the school.
On Friday, the FDLE released a report of a now former FAMU student being arrested in October on charges he molested an 8-year-old in May. The arrested student attended the universitys Development Research School.
After Mondays meeting, the governors office sent out a brief statement that Scott would abide by the decision of the board, which will now also hold weekly meetings to get updates on the death of Robert Champion.
The Orange County medical examiner on Friday reported that the 26-year-old drum major at FAMU died Nov. 19 as a result of a soft tissue hemorrhage incurred by blunt-force trauma sustained during a hazing incident.
For the sake of appearances, and to assure the public that these investigations are clearly independent, I believe it would have been in the best interest of Florida A&M University for President Ammons to step aside until all of these investigations are completed, Scott stated in a release. However, we have a process in Florida for the administration of the State University System, and that process has been followed. Like all other Floridians, I will abide by the decision made by the Florida A&M University board of trustees.
In addition to the FDLE investigations, Champions death and other allegations are being reviewed by a task force set up by the university and by the state university system chancellor.
The case has drawn racial undertones of a white governor telling a historically black university what to do.
Prior to the meeting, state Rep. Mia Jones, D-Jacksonville, and the chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus, expressed great concern as to how the situation was being handled and encouraged the board to stand firm against political pressure.
"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, Jones message to the board of trustees stated.
"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," she added.
Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Jacksonville, a FAMU alum, wrote Friday that Scotts call was making Florida A&M University a scapegoat and could possibly jeopardize the academic accreditation of FAMU.
Although we are all very saddened by this tragic incident, I strongly believe that it needs to be put into perspective, Brown stated in her letter. There have been numerous incidents involving hazing in Florida schools prior to this occurrence, such as one that occurred at the University of Miami, one at the University of Central Florida, and another at Florida State University, which have led to the state laws currently in place regarding hazing.
Scott responded Sunday night that in light of the FAMU hazing, he has called on all universities throughout the state to examine their hazing and harassment policies.
On Thursday, when Scott addressed students who had marched on the governors mansion, he first referenced his upbringing in public housing.
The comment drew scorn from students.
Asked about his comments on Friday, Scott said he wasnt trying to talk down to the students, but instead about the importance of money and education and how it shapes his business efforts.
What Ive tried to explain to people is why I believe the way I believe, Scott said.
Pressed on the matter, he added, If someone wants to take it differently, they can take it differently, Im still going to be who I am.
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.
