Champion Family Seeks Answers in Hazing Death of Son
The Champion Family in Florida announced a lawsuit in order to find out what happened to their son Robert, who died on Sunday as a result of hazing activity.
Hazing is usually associated with college sororities and fraternities, as part of the routine for inducting new members. It can include actions that create sleep deprivation, cause psychological problems, or require physical tests of endurance. Now, though, hazing is suspected for causing the death of a Florida A&M University drum major.
According to the Orange County, Florida, sheriff’s office, Robert Champion, 26, “repeatedly threw up in the parking lot and started complaining of not being able to breathe.” Although CPR was administered, the young man was pronounced dead at Doctor Philips Hospital. The actions that preceded Champion’s illness are not known yet, but hazing is suspected in playing a pivotal role.
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This is not the first time hazing has been brought to light at A&M University. President James Ammons revealed that at least 30 band members had been let go for participating in hazing. According to CNN, a suit was filed in 2001 on behalf of former band member Marcus Parker.
Parker described the hazing ritual of the trumpet section of the A&M University. “Paddling is just the wrong word for it,” Parker said. “It’s a vicious beating. I think one guy got hit over 100 times. And this is a solid, wood paddle.”
Parker was hit so hard that he went into renal failure. “His kidneys stopped working and he had to go into the emergency room. He almost died.” His lawyer added that hazing “ruins their life. You don’t have to be beat to within an inch of your life to play a trumpet.”
President Ammons has suspended “any and all performances and engagements for band and other ensembles under the auspices of the Music Department.”
He has also moved for the dismissal of Band director Julian E. White, effective December 22.
White is to be placed on administrative leave, with pay, immediately: “The reason for this intended employment action is based upon your [White’s] alleged misconduct and/or incompetence involving confirmed reports and allegations of hazing with the Department of Music.”
Champion’s family has now said that they are filing a lawsuit in order “to get answer” regarding the hazing practices and the death of their son.
“We are concerned about the culture of cover-up, that hazing has been covered up at the Band FAMU for generations. So, it’s time now that we expose the truth, eradicate this culture and come up with creative remedies on how to continue the excellence of FAMU’s band, but without hazing.”
Florida Governor Rick Scott has asked Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey’s office to assist with the investigation “to assure that the circumstances…become fully known” and justice is done.
Pam Champion, the victim’s mother, told the Associated Press: “My thing is to make sure this does not happen to anyone else, let people know this is real.”
