FAMU Band Director Fired After "Hazing Related" Death
Thursday, November 24, 2011
By: Tom Parkinson

Nov. 24, 2011 | WMFE - As the investigation continues into the death of a Florida A&M University drum major in Orlando last weekend, the university's president has formed a task force to look into a "culture of hazing" in the school's famed marching band and dismissed FAMU's music director.

FAMU President James Ammons also announced Wednesday that he is firing Dr. Julian White, director of bands and chair of FAMU’s Department of Music. Ammons said White knew of other hazing problems prior to the death of the drum major and failed to inform university officials until charges were filed.

26 year old drum major Robert Champion died November 19th following the annual “Florida Classic” football game in Orlando. Orange County Sheriff officials say his death is hazing-related. Governor Rick Scott has called upon the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to assist the sheriff’s office in its investigation

In addition to White’s firing, the university has suspended four students and assembled an independent panel to investigate what FAMU president Ammons calls “unauthorized and questionable” activities associated with the marching band.
Former state Attorney General Bob Butterworth and former state Department of Corrections head Walt McNeil will co-chair the task force.