Robert Champion : FAMU reportedly says they are not responsible for student’s death

The historically black university that received public scrutiny over a hazing incident, insists they are not responsible for the hazing death of Robert Champion.

About the Robert Champion Legal Case

In recent legal papers that were filed, Florida A&M University insists they are not responsible for Robert Champion’s death.

The university maintains that it was Champion, not the school, who holds the responsibility for his death. Champion died last November after he was beaten by fellow members of the famed Marching 100 band aboard a charter bus parked outside an Orlando hotel.

The university asserts that the 26-year-old Champion was a top leader in the band and he should have refused to take part in the hazing ritual.

“No public university or college has a legal duty to protect an adult student from the result of their own decision to participate in a dangerous activity while off-campus and after retiring from university-sponsored events,” states the lengthy filing by Richard Mitchell, an attorney with the Gray Robinson law firm hired by FAMU.

Surprisingly, the university maintains Champion witnesses other band members being hazed, and participated in order to gain respect from other band members.

Because of their assertion, the university wants the judge to throw out a lawsuit that has been filed against them by Champion’s family or delay it until the band members criminal charges are resolved.

“Under these circumstances, Florida’s taxpayers should not be held financially liable to Mr. Champion’s estate for the ultimate result of his own imprudent, avoidable and tragic decision and death,” states the motion filed by the university.

First Formal Response

The lawsuit represents the first formal response that the university has made in the wake of Champion’s death, which led to arrests of band members, the suspension of the famed band for this football season and the resignation of the school’s president. Twelve former members have pleaded not guilty to charges of felony hazing.

The suit was brought by Champion’s parents, Robert and Pamela Champion of Decatur, Ga. University trustees had discussed trying to mediate the lawsuit, but FAMU’s response may have doomed that effort.

Chris Chestnut, the attorney representing the Champion family, said the lawsuit needs to go forward so that the university is held accountable for allowing a culture of hazing that had been swept under the rug for years.

“Someone has got to hold FAMU accountable,” Chestnut said Monday. “We are now more committed than ever to litigate this case to clear Robert’s name and eradicate the culture of hazing for the safety of future students.”

Follow Unheard Voices on Twitter for more coverage.