FAMU moves to settle hazing lawsuit

Florida A&M University has moved to settle a lawsuit filed against the college after the hazing death of drum major Robert Champion.

Florida A&M University settles lawsuit

According to the Associated Press, FAMU Trustees on Thursday voted to instruct attorneys representing the university to enter a voluntary mediation session with attorneys for the parents of Robert Champion.

Champion died last year after allegedly being beaten by fellow marching band members during a hazing ritual.

Eleven FAMU band members are facing felony hazing charges, while two others face misdemeanor counts in the hazing of Champion. They have pleaded not guilty.

Claims

The Champions in their lawsuit claim university officials did not take action to stop hazing even though a school dean proposed suspending the band members because of hazing three days before their son died.

School officials also allowed nonstudents to play in the band, fell short in enforcing anti-hazing policies and did not keep a close eye on band members to prevent hazing, the lawsuit said.