The Orlando Sentinel today reports the confirmation of an email from an anonymous source forwarded to the Florida Board of Governors detailing concerns with hazing in the Marching 100 and objections from the former Florida A&M University Police Chief and Dean of Students against the band participating in the Florida Classic last November.

A spokesperson for former Marching 100 band director Dr. Julian White, says that he agreed with the sentiment, but acknowledged that no one in the meeting had the power to suspend the band for the contest.

“The consensus of everyone in that meeting was that no one in the room had the power to make that decision,” said Brooke Hobbs, spokeswoman for White’s attorney, Chuck Hobbs.

Three days after the meeting, FAMU drum major Robert Champion was beaten to death by his fellow band members during hazing rituals after the ensemble performed at the Classic. Eleven people are charged with felony hazing in connection with his death.

Brooke Hobbs emphasized that White was summoned to the Nov. 16 meeting by his “superiors” after he had suspended the trombone section because of hazing. “Because of the suspension of 26 students,” she said, “that was a red flag.” (Orlando Sentinel)

Florida A&M University Hazing Marching 100 Robert Champion