MORE COVERAGE OF THE FAMU HAZING CASE
13 People Charged in FAMU Hazing Death
May 02, 2012 | First Coast News -
Robert Champion, FAMU ... after a hazing ... Most of the 13 people will be charged with what's called'' hazing by death,'' a third degree felony. That means the state has to prove two...
Somber reaction from FAMU to charges in Champion death
May 02, 2012 | First Coast News -
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida A&M students and graduates say they hope the charges announced in the hazing-related death of... FAMU grad and... country that hazing ... No one in FAMU ...
Charges Expected in FAMU Drum Major's Hazing Death
May 02, 2012 | First Coast News -
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Experts say that when prosecutors announce criminal charges Wednesday in the hazing death of a Florida A&M University band member, they will embark on a legal...
Criminal Charges Coming in FAMU Hazing Death
May 02, 2012 | First Coast News -
Criminal charges are expected to be filed Wednesday in Orlando in the suspected hazing ... Champion collapsed in Orlando on the bus, which was carrying members of FAMU ... of a hazing ... the suspected hazing death of Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champion. ...
By Michael Winter, USA TODAY
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The embattled director of the Florida A&M band has announced his retirement amid new revelations involving the Marching 100 and the hazing death of drum major Robert Champion, according to news reports.
Julian White, 71, had been on administrative leave and was fighting to keep his job as chairman of the music department and director of bands. He had been with the famed band for four decades.
Today his attorney announced he would retire, hours after the Tallahassee Democrat reported that White allowed non-students in the band, a violation of university policy.
White "remains a loyal FAMU Rattler and wishes his alma mater continued success in the future," attorney Chuck Hobbs said in a news release, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
The band has been suspended since the November death of Champion, who was severely beaten during a hazing ritual. This afternoon, the state university chancellor said the band's suspension should not be lifted.
FAMU President James Ammons is expected to discuss the band at a special meeting of the board of trustees Friday or Monday, the Associated Press says.
Last week, 11 band members were charged with felony hazing and two others face misdemeanor counts.