Members of Florida A&M's board of trustees have made it clear that they aren't impressed with the way university President James Ammons has handled the hazing death of 26-year-old marching-band drum major Robert Champion, who, according to a medical examiner's report, died as a result of a brutal beating he received during a ritual that took place on a bus after a football game. Prosecutors have charged 13 people with violations of state hazing statutes in the incident, and those involved could face prison sentences of up to six years.
It looks as though Ammons won't face any consequences for his role at the helm of the institution where it all took place. While the board voted 8-4 on Thursday to approve a no-confidence measure against him, he has vowed to stay on at the school, the Associated Press reports:
The board's 8-4 vote on Thursday approved the no-confidence measure. James Ammons won't quit and said he would fix any problems.
The school has been reeling since the November death of drum major Robert Champion. Eleven members of the school's Marching 100 band have been charged with felony hazing for allegedly beating him to death. The death exposed a wide culture of hazing at the school. Critics say Ammons and other administrators ignored it.
The band has been suspended indefinitely.
Ammons became president in 2007 and signed a five-year contract extension last year.
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