Support NorthStar News - Make a Donation

video icon  Video of the Week

Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child (2010)

Search Past Issues

September 13, 2012

FAMU logo

FAMU Suspends Dance Team Following Hazing Incident

School establishes anti-hazing website

Florida A&M University last week launched an anti-hazing website, shortly after interim President Larry Robinson suspended the school's dance team for an off-campus hazing incident.

The website StopHazingatFAMU.com is designed to educate students, faculty, alumni and others about the dangers of hazing. The website is also designed to foster an online community and to encourage collaboration to help end hazing at the Tallahassee-based school.

In the spring of 2013, students will be required to sign a pledge  attesting that they will not participate in any form of hazing  Robinson said.

"This will be prerequisite for any student to register for classes," Robinson said. "Everyone on campus needs to be unified in the fight against hazing. We will continue to enact change, positively empower our students and provide resources going forward to ensure that we provide a safer and healthier environment for learning."

Interim President Robinson made his comments after suspending the Torque Dance Team for hazing until further notice. The alleged incident occurred over the Labor Day Weekend.

"We have zero tolerance for hazing," he said.” It's deplorable and will not be tolerated. It is unconscionable that a student organization would participate in any hazing activity considering what has transpired in the past year."

Last November, Robert Champion Jr., a drum major for the Florida A&M marching band, died as a result of a hazing incident.  

Champion's death led to criminal charges against some band members and the resignation of FAMU's president and the school's band director.

FAMU also suspended the band for the 2012-2013 academic year. Kappa Kappa Psi, the honorary band fraternity, also dropped FAMU's world-famous marching band from its membership roster for five years.

The Northstar News & Analysis, Inc.
Chicago, IL | 312.504.0223
Copyright © The Northstar News & Analysis, Inc.
Contact Us: info@TheNorthstarNews.com
Privacy Policy

My statusContact Us on Skype