FAMU president to stay in office during hazing probe

By Rich Phillips, CNN

Some band members have said Robert Champion may have
died after a rite of passage involving a beating aboard a bus.

Tallahassee, Florida (CNN) - Florida A&M University President James Ammons will stay in office during a hazing investigation, the school's board decided Monday.

The A&M board of trustees rejected a request from Gov. Rick Scott to suspend Ammons while officials probe various issues at the school, including the suspected hazing death of a band member.

"We will stand firm against outside influences which hinder the viability of the university," said Solomon Badger, the board's chairman.

"It requires us to rely on facts," he said.

The board chose not to vote on Ammons' status.

Ammons was not present for Monday's meeting, but took part by telephone.

On Friday, the medical examiner in Orange County, Florida, ruled that the death of 26-year-old Robert D. Champion was a homicide.