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September 13, 2012
Florida A&M University seems to be blaming hazing victim for his own death

Robert Champion's parents blast school for its remarks

Florida A&M University said in court papers filed this week that the drum major in their marching band 'should have refused to participate' in the hazing that resulted in his death after a football game last November.

The University is seeking to have a wrongful death lawsuit brought by the parents of 26 year old Robert Champion dismissed. Thirteen fellow students have been charged in the death but the university maintains it is not responsible.

May 4, 2012
Parents of hazing victim want Florida A&M University marching band program disbanded

Their son, Robert Champion, died after being pummeled in hazing ritual

The parents of a 26-year-old drum major want the Florida A&M University marching band program disbanded until the school rids itself of the kind of hazing rituals that resulted in their son's death.

Robert Champion Jr., who was gay, was pummeled aboard a bus by fellow band members after a performance against a rival school and 13 people were charged this week (3 May) in his death.

May 3, 2012
Thirteen charged in death of gay Florida A&M University drum major

Robert Champion Jr. died after being pummeled in hazing ritual

Five months after Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champion Jr. died following a pummeling by fellow members of the marching band, 13 people have been charged in his death.

The death of the 26-year-old Champion, who was gay, has brought about a focus on college hazing rituals. The beating took place aboard a chartered bus parked outside of a Orlando hotel after a performance.

April 1, 2012
Still no arrest in Robert Champion's death

The investigation of Robert Champion's death is over; prosecutors will have to decide what charges to bring

As the United States media hits warp drive in the Trayvon Martin case, there is still no resolution in Robert Champion, Jr's  death.

February 12, 2012
University announces anti-hazing research initiative

Florida A&M University announces anti-hazing research initiative in response to the death of Robert Champion

The president of Florida A&M University announced the school would be part of $50,000 research initiative to study the effects of hazing.

"Hazing is one issue that many colleges and universities face, yet it presents a serious challenge to uncover and address as a hidden culture, shrouded in secrecy," said university President James Ammons as reported by the Root.

The study will be examined by a seven member independent committee that will make recommendations to the school.

January 14, 2012
Hazing or hate cited in gay student death

Details of Robert Champion Jr death on school’s band bus emerge. Federal investigation demanded

In late November of last year, Robert Champion Jr was found unresponsive on his school’s band bus. His college, Florida A&M, a historically black college, had just played its biggest football game against Bethune-Cookman. Police ruled the band member’s death a homicide.

His family, who met with the media this week, maintains he died from injuries sustained in a hazing ritual. Others point to his sexuality, and opposition to hazing, as the reasons why he was attacked.