ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida A&M President James Ammons has resigned on the same day parents of a drum major who died after being hazed added the university to a wrongful death lawsuit. Ammons resigned Wednesday in a letter to the university governing board. (Read: Resignation letter)
The parents of a drum major who died after being hazed added the university to a wrongful death lawsuit Wednesday, claiming school officials failed to stop hazing in its famous marching band. (Read: Lawsuit)
Ammons resignation is effective October 11.
Robert Champion died in November after being beaten by fellow band members during a hazing ritual aboard a bus parked outside an Orlando hotel following a football game against the school's archrival.
The lawsuit brought by Champion's parents claims Florida A&M University officials did not take action to stop hazing even though a school dean proposed suspending the band because of hazing concerns three days before their son died. School officials also allowed nonstudents to play in the band, fell short in enforcing anti-hazing policies and did not keep a close eye on band members to prevent hazing, the lawsuit said.
School officials "failed to properly supervise, train, discipline and control the FAMU Band," the lawsuit said.
The lawsuit seeks damages greater than $15,000, but does not give a specific amount.
According to the 33-page lawsuit, Robert Champion had a pillow case over his head as fellow band members allegedly beat him with their fists and drum mallets.
The suit said he then had to make his way from the front to the back of the bus, while taking more blows.
Investigators said it appears Champion voluntarily participated.
Eleven people have been charged with felony hazing. Two others are charged with misdemeanor hazing.
"Our whole goal is to make sure no one else has to go through what we had to go through, and in order to do that there has to be some accountability," said Pam Champion, mother of Robert Champion outside the Orange County Courthouse Wednesday afternoon.
Attorney Chris Chestnut outlined a history of hazing at the university that dates back to 1983 when a band member was hospitalized after taking a beating from 60 band members.
"It's not how much money we can get. It's how many lives we can effect," said Chestnut.
FAMU President James Ammons has said the university did everything to get rid of hazing. But on Wednesday offered up his letter of resignation just hours before Champion's parents filed the lawsuit.
"Before the university can move forward they have to do house cleaning," said Pam Champion.
Eleven FAMU band members face felony hazing charges, while two others face misdemeanor counts for alleged roles in the hazing. They have pleaded not guilty.
Champion's death put a spotlight on hazing at the school and led to the suspension of the band until at least next year.
Champion's parents, Robert and Pamela, have already sued the bus company, claiming the driver stood guard outside while the hazing took place. The company said the driver was helping band members with their equipment.
Under state law, Champions parents had to wait six months before they could include the university in the lawsuit since it's a state entity.