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Posted: 5:32 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28, 2011

FAMU student's family to file suit in wake of possible hazing

By Matt Augustine

LITHONIA, Ga. —

An attorney for the family of a former Florida A&M University student says they plan to file suit against FAMU in the death of their son because there was a "culture of hazing" at the university.

26-year-old Robert Champion was found dead on a bus outside an Orlando hotel after a football game against rival Bethune-Cookman.  Champion, a member of the marching band, had been vomiting and complained of trouble breathing shortly before he was found on the bus.  Police released any details regarding cause of death.

Attorney Christopher Chestnut has said that hazing is suspected, and that if it was something that lead to Champion's death, it needs to be eradicated.

Champion's parents say their son loved the marching band, and had never complained about it or mentioned being treated poorly.

Since Champion's death, the university has shelved the Marching 100 and other performances from the music department.  They also fired their long time band director Julian White for failing to report hazing to university officials.  

 
 
 

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