Gov. Rick Scott would like president of Florida A&M University to be suspended, as multiple investigations are conducted into the death of a drum major last month.
Scott called the chair of the FAMU board Thursday and asked that Dr. James Ammons be suspended immediately, wesh.com reports.
Last week, the board had discussed possible sanctions in connection with Ammons, but opted to publicly reprimand him, rather than suspension.
Several investigations, including by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) are underway into Marching 100 band member Robert Champion, who police believe died from hazing, following a FAMU game in Orlando in November.
Scott had ordered that FDLE to get involved in the investigation, first initiated by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Orlando.
In separate developments, the Orlando-based Florida Civil Rights Association renewed its call Thursday for the immediate termination of Ammons. The group also called for a two-year ban on all activities on the Marching 100 band’s activities.
“In light of the new evidence discovered by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Orlando based Florida Civil Rights Association renews its call on Florida Governor Rick Scott and The Florida A&M University Board of Trustees to immediately terminate Florida A&M President Dr. James Ammons and impose a two-year ban on all Florida A&M “Marching 100” activities,” a statement released by FCRA said.
