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Orlando Judge Weighs Whether To Dismiss Hazing Lawsuit Against FAMU

FAMU Band Drum major Robert Champion died in November following a hazing event after the Florida Classic Football game in Orlando
Tony Levell
FAMU Band Drum major Robert Champion died in November following a hazing event after the Florida Classic Football game in Orlando

An Orlando judge is weighing whether to dismiss a civil lawsuit against Florida A&M University. The family of Robert Champion sued the school after the drum major died following a 2011 hazing ritual.

FAMU's attorneys want the lawsuit dismissed, and say Champion voluntarily participated in his own hazing. A judge recently said something similar in delivering a shorter sentence to one of the FAMU hazing defendants.  But Champion family lawyers argue the school had a duty to ensure the welfare and safety of students.

In July Champion’s attorney offered an $8 million settlement to the university. Any award over $300,000 would have to be approved by the Florida legislature.

A claims bill was filed in 2013 on behalf of the Champion family, but it failed to get approval in the legislature.

The Associated Press reports an Orlando judge says he needs more time to decide whether the lawsuit should go to a jury or be dismissed.  Fifteen former band members have received a range of punishments from community service to prison sentences for their roles in Robert Champion’s death.

Follow @HatterLynn

Lynn Hatter is a Florida A&M University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Lynn has served as reporter/producer for WFSU since 2007 with education and health care issues as her key coverage areas.  She is an award-winning member of the Capital Press Corps and has participated in the NPR Kaiser Health News Reporting Partnership and NPR Education Initiative. 

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