Florida A&M dismisses 4 students arrested for alleged hazing beatings

(CBS/AP) TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The four students charged last week with hazing pledges of a Florida A&M University marching band clarinet group known as the Clones have been dismissed from the school.

Pictures: Florida A&M University hazing scandal

The move was announced Monday during a FAMU board of trustees meeting. The students will have a chance to appeal their dismissal before a student judicial committee.

The four students who were arrested are: Denise Bailey, 22; Brandon Benson, 23; Hakeem Birch, 21 and Anthony Mingo, 22. They were booked on a misdemeanor hazing charge and released on bail.

The band members were taken into custody after reports that other students were punched and paddled during initiation meetings that began in early September. Last week's arrests are the latest in a scandal that has rocked the university and its famed Marching 100 band.

In November, FAMU drum major Robert Champion died hours after a football game in Orlando in what authorities said was a hazing ritual. His death has been ruled a homicide, but no charges have been brought.

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