It hasn’t even been a full year since the tragic and unfortunate death of a Florida A&M University marching band drum major, and already, the university is back in the news. Another incident of hazing has occurred on the FAMU campus, but this time, the school is taking no chances.
The university’s Torque Dance Team was suspended after there were allegations of an off-campus hazing incident that was reported by an anonymous parent. The incident was reported to have happened over the Labor Day weekend. According to university spokeswoman Sharon Saunders the all-female dance team allegedly conducted hazing involving alcohol consumption and “running up hills,”.
FAMU’s interim President, Larry Robinson said this in a press release:
“The University takes very seriously any allegation of hazing and has moved quickly to shut the organization down pending the outcome of an investigation. We have zero tolerance for hazing. It’s deplorable and will not be tolerated. It is unconscionable that a student organization would participate in any hazing activity considering what has transpired in the past year.”
Since the death of Robert Champion last November, the school has cracked down quite a bit. The Marching 100 has been suspended from playing at football games this season, and the school has suspended new membership intake for all clubs and organizations on campus, which is set to be lifted this month.
Champion’s death has sparked a lot of emotions and conversation surrounding the traditions of hazing, especially in historically black colleges and organizations. While some insist hazing has been going on for decades and is somewhat a rite of passage, others are outraged and insist it must be stopped.
Do you believe the school was too hasty to suspend the dance team? Do you think this disciplinary action will stop hazing at FAMU?
Shel says
The worst part of hazing is the mindset of the future members. If I had to endure such things (endanger myself or another) just to be a part of a group, then I don’t want to be in because it is just not that serious to me. Brother/sisterhood is a bond. It shouldn’t be based on how far one would go to be a part of that bond. It’s all about maturity!!! Grow up college kids!!!!! Senseless crimes should not have a place on ANY college campus!!!
Cherise Young says
@Lamar – “or atleast not get caught?” Really? It really shouldn’t have anything to do with being smart enough not to get caught, but about having enough self-resepct to treat other humans with dignity because you recognize your own worth. Although it pains me to hear so many blame slavery for what African Americans exhibit currently, I tend to think that this is one of the more persistant residual impacts. Seems, racial hate has now become self-hate.
Lamar Tyler says
Its just being real that kids who were doing it and who will now stop won’t be stopping because of a newfound self respect. The only reason they’ll stop is because they don’t want to get caught and have the same repercussions that others currently face. It’s not pretty but it’s real.
Lorri says
I’m really struggling with this because it means our overall mentality has changed and we now accept and expect hazing as a college student. It’s going to take a lot of work at the college level, but even moreso with the adults who are now responsible for monitoring this kind of behavior. I know it will be hard, but we need to handle it especially at our HBCU schools.
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