Gov. Rick Scott called for the suspension of Florida A&M University President James Ammons today, pending completion of a criminal investigation into the death of Marching 100 drum major Robert Champion.
After returning from his trade mission to Israel, Scott met with senior staff members. He also spoke with FAMU Board of Trustees Chairman Solomon Badger about the investigation into allegations of brutal physical hazing of band members, which have rocked the campus since Champion died in Orlando on Nov. 19.
The governor’s office said Scott called Ammons to notify him that he had “strongly recommended” to Badger that the trustees suspend him at their meeting next Monday. The board last week reprimanded Ammons for his handling of the Marching 100 scandal.
Ammons fired band director Julian White late last month but White has sued to get his job back, claiming he repeatedly warned the president’s office about hazing rituals in the band. White had also suspended more than two-dozen students suspected of abusing new band members.
Source: tallahassee.com
