FAMU band director placed on leave

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Published: 11/23/2011 4:55 pm

Updated: 11/23/2011 11:42 pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A local man who choreographs a famous marching band has been given his walking papers after police suspect hazing in the band caused a student's death.

It's the newest wrinkle at FAMU. The death of a band member is under investigation as possible hazing. The university sent notice Wednesday to Dr. Julian White that he will be fired next month. White is a Stanton high school grad. He became the first director of the band at Raines high school in 1965. He's been running the famous Marching 100 at FAMU since 1998.

The Florida A&M University is known for its innovative programs, but now their program is in jeopardy. Investigators believe hazing killed 26-year-old drum major Robert Champion.

Action News spoke by phone with Justin Leto. He's a criminal attorney in Miami whose handled these types of cases before. He says the problem is students get away with hazing for years. "It's only recognized or stopped when someone dies. It takes that for people to open their eyes and realize it shouldn't happen in the first place. The Marines haze. The Army hazes. It's been going on for so long it's like the cultural norm. It's difficult to stop," said Leto.

Leto thinks students and the band's director could face some serious charges. "Whatever happened, it's been allowed to continue to happen," said Leto.

Action News also tried reaching out to the local FAMU Alumni organization. They referred us to the university.

Congresswoman Corrine Brown, a graduate from Florida A&M, released a statement on the death of FAMU band member Robert Champion:

"My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Robert Champion . As a proud FAMU alumnus, I know the university truly is a family, and is devastated by the loss of such a promising student.

I agree with President Ammons decision to suspend musical programs until a thorough investigation of the circumstances that lead to this death can be completed. We need a top to bottom review of the program to ensure the safety of all students".

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biblelady - 11/25/2011 4:55 PM

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Let's hope the people conducting the investigations aren't going to accept any possible bribes to cover up someone's tracks. That can happen, as we well know.

MrCitizen - 11/23/2011 6:06 PM

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A group with a long standing tradition and reputation seems to be on the verge of collapse. The custom of hazing should have been eliminated long ago; hopefully it didn't lead to the death of the drum major.

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