By Lynn Hatter
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-997291.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – Florida Governor Rick Scott has requested that the President of Florida A&M University be placed on suspension. Lynn Hatter reports the governor's request is the latest in a series of moves stemming from the alleged hazing-related death of one of the school band's drum majors.
Governor Scott's request comes as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement continues its investigation into the alleged hazing-related death of school band drum major Robert Champion who died in November following an Orlando football game. Wednesday the department announced it was launching a second investigation into university officials over allegations of fraud involving the band's finances. The governor's spokeswoman, Amy Graham, says following a briefing by senior staff, Scott had a conversation with Florida A & M's board Chairman, Solomon Badger.
"Governor Scott has strongly recommended to the Chairman that the Board of Trustees place President James Ammons on suspension immediately until the investigations are completed."
The governor's request comes about a week after some university trustees tried to do the same thing but failed to get enough support. Instead, Ammons' was reprimanded for his handling of the fallout from Champion's death. Three university band students are facing felony battery charges for a separate hazing event that occurred off campus.