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?