A group of students at Florida A&M University are under investigation after a hazing resulted in a gay student’s death.
Robert Champion, Jr. was found unresponsive on a school bus accompanied by the university’s band members. Police ruled the death a homicide, but after Champion’s parents came forward and revealed their son was gay, The National Black Justice Coalition is urging the U.S. Department of Education to investigate whether or not the death was a result of a hate crime.
“The loss of Mr. Champion is an unfortunate reminder of the need for proactive measures that foster inclusive environments for all students, regardless of their perceived or actual sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Sharon Lettman-Hicks, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Black Justice Coalition.
“At NBJC we have always understood the need to create safe and nurturing spaces for our young people to thrive, which is why we launched an initiative seeking policy changes within the U.S. Department of Education’s White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities to promote the development and delivery of culturally competent administrative, faculty, student and staff support services for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. “
The U.S. Department of Education has not yet responded to the NBJC request to investigate the death as a hate crime.
According to WMFE, Champion’s family is seeking legal action against Florida A&M University, explaining:
Family attorney Christopher Chestnut says Champion was attacked more severely because resisted hazing and was in line to become the band’s next chief drum major.
“Did Robert Champion have an alternative lifestyle, yes. Did that define him, no. Robert Champion was defined by the fact that he followed the rules. that he was a leader in the band, that he was against hazing, that he was a peaceful person, that he was a leader.”
Chestnut says the family is waiting to take legal action against FAMU until sovereign immunity protections run out in 6 months.
