Drum Major's Parents Condemn FAMU Response to Suit

Robert Champion's parents are disappointed that the university asked to toss out their lawsuit.

Posted: 09/14/2012 11:55 AM EDT

ATLANTA (AP) — The parents of a Florida A&M drum major who died during a hazing ritual say the school's response to their lawsuit shows officials are not taking responsibility for the safety of students.

Pam and Robert Champion Sr. said Thursday at a news conference in Atlanta that they were disappointed by court documents filed Monday by FAMU. The university is asking a judge to toss the lawsuit, saying the school is not to blame for the 26-year-old's death.

Chris Chestnut, the lawyer representing the Champions, says the lawsuit is not about Robert Champion, but the safety of students.

Robert Champion died in November after he was beaten by fellow members of the famed Marching 100 band aboard a charter bus parked outside an Orlando hotel. The school says Champion should have refused to take part in the hazing ritual.


BET National News - Keep up to date with breaking news stories from around the nation, including headlines from the hip hop and entertainment world. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.  

(Photo: AP Photo/Atlanta Journal-Constitution, John Spink)

Videos You May Like

Comments

The Dos and Don’ts of Winning the Lottery

Hitting the jackpot can have serious consequences. 11/28/2012

Sports Rewind: Turkish Soccer Team Plans to Don Blackface

Plus, Chad Johnson faces arrest warrant, Beckham retires. 05/16/2013

Cash Kings: 15 Highest Paid Black Athletes

"Money" Mayweather and more top-earning stars. 05/15/2013

Out and About: Mariah Carey On Stage at American Idol Season Finale

Plus pics of Kim K., Amber Rose, Drake and more. 05/17/2013

Dirty Laundry: Scandalous Details Artists Reveal in Songs

Kelly Rowland is just the latest musician to air things out. 05/15/2013

Brainiacs: Celebs Who Attended Ivy League Schools

Who walked the halls of Harvard, Princeton and Yale? 05/16/2013