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FAMU Band Director Speaks Out

November 28th, 2011 by Mike Vasilinda

Orlando Sheriff’s deputies were due back in Tallahassee Monday to continue their investigation into the hazing death of drum major Robert Champion at the band’s last performance. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, fired FAMU Band Director Dr. Julian White spoke publicly today for the first time, telling reporters he did everything possible to prevent the tragedy.

Just over a hundred of FAMU’s band members prayed and chanted outside the university president’s office in support of their fired band director.

“I just know we need to support our staff,” band member Jonathan Williams said. “That’s all I know.”

They had come for a meeting with the University President that never happened.

President James Ammons was busy meeting with former Attorney General Bob Butterworth. Butterworth is the co-chair of a task force whose mission is to get to the bottom of hazing.

It has its work cut out.

Band founder William Foster was quoted more than a decade ago by the Tallahassee Democrat, saying that hazing has been around since the 1950s.”

Band Director Dr. Julian White is contesting his firing.

“I took the necessary steps,” Dr. White said.

White says he agrees with the first ever suspension of a college band and he says Robert Champion’s death could have been prevented if administrators had heeded his warnings.

“I wish they had suspended the students from school,” he said. “If some strong actions had been taken then Robert Champion may well be alive now.”

We asked why hazing has been so difficult to stamp out.

“Because it’s a culture, not just a Florida A&M culture, it’s a college phenomenon,” White said.

And as the investigation continues, university flags on the FAMU campus are at half staff.

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