TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Four students were dismissed from Florida A&M University after the death of a drum major in a hazing-related incident, the school told CNN.
Any death as the result of hazing is a third-degree felony under state law.
CNN said officials did not specify the cause of death for Robert Champion after a performance earlier this month with FAMU's Marching 100 band, only that hazing was involved. His family said it plans to sue the school "to get answers," CNN said.
President James H. Ammons said in a memo to the Board of Trustees Tuesday: "I want to report that four (4) students have been dismissed from the university in connection to the Robert Champion incident. Further, 30 students were dismissed from the band prior to the Florida Classic."
The memo gave no reason for the dismissal of the 30 students.
Ammons suspended all band performances after Champion's death, CNN reported. Ammons said he will form a task force "to determine if there are any unauthorized and questionable activities associated with the culture of the Marching 100."
FAMU also moved to fire director Julian E. White, who had led the 420-member band since 1998. CNN said White hired an attorney to fight for his job.
