[mpoverlay]In a statement released yesterday by his attorney, Florida A&M University Marching 100 band director Dr. Julian White resigned from his position. His resignation comes just days after 13 people were charged with the hazing death of Marching 100 drum major Robert Champion following the 2011 Florida Classic in Orlando, and one day after reports that nearly 100 individuals who performed with the band at the classic were not enrolled or formerly registered members of the ensemble. 

“Dr. White remains a loyal FAMU Rattler and wishes his alma mater continued success in the future,” White’s attorney, Chuck Hobbs, said in a statement. Rattlers, or rattlesnakes, are the school mascot. Hobbs said White was unavailable for comment.

White has said he tried to warn FAMU officials about hazing within the band, but his concerns were not heeded.

“This is a first step in the right direction,” Chris Chestnut, an attorney representing Champion’s parents, said in response to White’s resignation. “One, it’s clear that he had no command of the band.” (Reuters)

Dr. White’s resignation ends a 40-year affiliation with the Marching 100, including a 12-year tenure as its director.[/mpoverlay]

Dr. Julian White Florida A&M University Hazing Marching 100 Robert Champion