ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida A&M University has reached a settlement with the family of a drum major who died after being hazed by fellow band members.
A university spokesman says the $1.1 million settlement of the negligence lawsuit by Robert Champion's family was reached Friday.
FAMU spokeswoman Lisa Brock says the settlement terms include both monetary and nonmonetary terms.
Champion died after band members pummeled him with fists and mallets aboard a bus parked outside an Orlando hotel in November 2011. The hazing ritual, known as "Crossing Bus C," was carried out after FAMU band members had performed at an annual football game with a rival.
Champion's family says the university should have taken stronger measures to crack down on hazing by band members.
The lawsuit was filed four years ago and alleged the university has a long history of knowledge and tolerance for hazing with the FAMU band.
Champion’s family released a statement which read, in part, “This settlement will enable us to focus squarely on our mission of educating young people, schools, band directors and athletic teams about the dangers of hazing.”
Other details of the settlement agreement include the FAMU marching band’s anti-hazing program be named and known as the Robert Champion, Jr. Anti-Hazing Program.
A plaque dedicates to Champion’s life and memory will be placed at either the university’s band room, the practice field or student union, wherever the Champions prefer.