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FAMU Hazing Case: Dean, police chief urged suspension of band prior to Robert Champion's death

The FAMU Marching 100, from Florida A&M University performs during the halftime show of Super Bowl XLI football game at Dolphin Stadium in Miami on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007. AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian

(CBS/AP) TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida A&M's dean of students wanted to suspend the school's marching band for hazing practices three days before Robert Champion's death.

Pictures: Florida A&M hazing case

Dean Henry Kirby urged administrators at FAMU to shut down the band similar to the way it did to a fraternity in 2006. The school suspended the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity chapter on campus after five members were charged with using wooden canes to beat a pledge during an initiation ritual.

Kirby's notes were in materials obtained through public records request by various media. And while the professor has not discussed his notes, they indicate he sought a long-term suspension to stop hazing practices within the band.

Police Chief Calvin Ross asked administrators to keep the band home from the Nov. 19 game because of hazing issue. It was on Nov. 19 that Champion was allegedly beaten by band mates resulting in his death.

Complete coverage of the Florida A&M hazing case on Crimesider


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