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FAMU trustees to create anti-hazing committee

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.,None — The family of a Florida A&M University marching band member who police say died after being hazed says no memorial or independent committee studying hazing will prevent a similar death.

"What I would like to do, is see what kind of thing they're going to put in place to make sure this thing doesn't happen again," said Champion's mother.

The university's board of trustees on Monday approved plans to create an independent anti-hazing committee and a campus memorial for drum major Robert Champion. Several hours later, the family's
attorney responded in an email, saying the FAMU administration should focus its time and resources on developing strategies that protect its band members from hazing. They say that is the legacy
their son would've wanted.

"Establishment of an independent blue-ribbon anti-hazing committee," said FAMU trustee Belinda Reed Shannon.

Champion's death in November and the alleged severe beating of another band member have brought renewed scrutiny to a hazing culture in the band.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.