School seeks mediation in hazing suit

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 16 (UPI) -- Florida A&M University trustees approved a motion Thursday to proceed with mediation in the case of a hazing victim's death, their lawyer said.

Robert Champion, a drum major in the school's "Marching 100" band, died on a band bus Nov. 19, 2011, after a hazing ritual. Eleven band members face felony hazing charges, and two others face misdemeanor counts, the Tallahassee, Fla., Democrat said Thursday.

Rick Mitchell, the school's attorney, said the university seeks to be dismissed from the wrongful death lawsuit, which includes the bus company and the bus driver.

The lawsuit states that school officials "failed to supervise, train, discipline and control the FAMU Band."