Ammons, will keep his position during an investigation into a student death believed to be a result of hazing despite Governor Rick Scott's orders to suspend Ammons. The university's board of trustees headed by Solomon Badger as the chairman decided to wait until the end of the criminal investigations into the death of a marching band member on November 19th and then potential fraud by the school's employees to decide on Ammons' fate (Alvarez).
"We will stand firm against outside influence, no matter how well intended," said Badger during a board meeting (CBS News).
Robert Champion, a 26-year-old drum major, collapsed in a parked bus immediately following the Florida Classic, an annual football game against Bethune-Cookman University. The medical examiner ruled that Champion's death was a homicide caused by "blunt-force trauma." There were also many bruises on his torso and arms. Students then came forward to the band director, Julian White, stating that Champion had been punched repeatedly during a hazing ritual (Alvarez).
Bria Hunter, another band member, came forward shortly after to retell her own experience with hazing. Hunter was initiated into the Red Dawg Order, a group whose commonality comes from their Georgia roots, when senior band members punched her and beat her with rulers at their apartment. Hunter suffered a broken thigh and blood clots (Alvarez).
White, the band director, allowed police access to several reports documenting student suspensions for hazing. Ammons then fired White, who is currently trying to get his job back. Law enforcement officials froze all personnel decisions until the end of the investigation (Alvarez).
Students and alumni took to the streets in protest after Scott suggested that Ammons be suspended until the investigation was completed. Many joined together in protest outside of the governor's mansion, citing that Scott's decision was hasty and unnecessary (Alvarez).
