FAMU Lifts Marching Band Suspension Following Fatal Hazing Incident

The suspension has been lifted on the famed HBCU marching band at Florida A&M University, following a fatal hazing incident that resulted in the death of drum major Robert Champion in 2011. 

Champion collapsed and died after walking to the back of the bus while other band members beat him in November 2011, according to prosecutors. The incident led to 14 band members being charged criminally, also the retirement of band director Julian White and the resignation of former President James Ammons.

Historically, the famous Marching 100 is the main attraction among organizations at FAMU. While the death of Robert Champion will always stay with the band, it's something groups all across the country had to take note of and hopefully learning a serious and applicable lesson. 

New band director Sylvester Young isn't making any promises, but the band wants to be ready for the first home game Sept. 7 against Tennessee State. 

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