Retired Florida A&M University math professor Willie Roberts writes a compelling case in today’s Tallahassee Democrat for James Ammons to see FAMU through to better days beyond hazing and scandal.

Ammons has taken appropriate action in the sexual assault case and the fraud case. The fact that 101 band members were not enrolled in the required band course is a result of the failure of the former band director to follow written procedures.

FAMU alumni strongly support Ammons and see the clash with overseers as an echo of old racial battles and new questions about the school’s very existence. FAMU trustees must not become a tool for those who believe FAMU should not exist.

It is true that Dr. Ammons shouldn’t bear responsibility for failings that all coincidentally come out in a report in the Robert Champion murder investigation. Playing revisionist for how mid-level managers and directors failed would always give the appearance that Ammons should’ve have fired people or had more oversight on day to day activities.

Were that true, Dr. Ammons wouldn’t be half of the fundraiser, political lobbyist or FAMU advocate that he is today.

Changes should be made at FAMU. Cultural changes. For all that he’s done for his alma mater, and the way he’s handled this ongoing issue, he may be the best bet for FAMU’s better days.

Just as he once was in 2007.

Dr. James Ammons Florida A&M University