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FAMU students suspended for hazing

FAMU
Posted at 1:47 PM, Mar 06, 2013
and last updated 2013-03-06 08:51:20-05

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- An unconfirmed number of students at Florida A&M University have been suspended following new allegations of hazing.

Pam Tolson with FAMU communications released the following statement on behalf of Interim University President, Dr. Larry Robinson:

"This is a very unfortunate situation," Dr. Robinson said. "We applaud and continue to encourage those students who are coming forward to report incidents of hazing. We remain vigilant in our efforts to make it clear that hazing is a serious issue and we have a zero tolerance policy toward it."

University leaders have yet to release any other details specific to this suspension. There is no word if these suspensions are connected to Delta Sigma Theta. The sorority was suspended on February 7 as university leaders looked into hazing allegations.

Hiring an Anti-Hazing Administrator and setting up an anonymous hazing tip submission website are just some of the steps Florida A&M University has taken to try to rid the culture of hazing. The University has been under scrutiny since the November 2011 hazing death of Marching 100 Drum Major Robert Champion.

Investigators say Champion died after being beaten by fellow band members during a hazing ritual called "Crossing Bus C" during band trip to Orlando.

Monday, State Attorney Jeff Ashton announced he was charging two new defendants in the case and upgrading charges against a total of 12 FAMU students to manslaughter. It's a more serious charge than the previous "felony hazing" charge and can carry a 15 year prison sentence.