No March for Robert Champion

Christian Allen, News 20 at Five

FAMU has implemented new rules in the wake of Robert Champion’s death. But students are remaining proactive, primarily in the case for Trayvon Martin. For almost two months, FAMU students, alongside other colleges and universities, have rallied and marched for justice in the case of Trayvon Martin.

“When I went to Sanford, it just felt good that all the Black people were there together at one time focusing on another child,” said FAMU student LaTalia Seidner.

No arrests have been made in the Martin case, nor have there been any arrests in the Robert Champion hazing case. Champion was a Marching 100 drum major that lost his life during a hazing ritual last November.

Following Champion’s death, there was a student movement to reinstate ousted band director Dr. Julian White. Students also protested at the governor’s mansion to have Governor Rick Scott take back his call to have FAMU President James Ammons temporarily removed.

While there has been organized efforts by FAMU to address hazing, organized marches for Champion have been few and far between.

“I feel like we rally for everything and we march for everything, we march to the capitol. How come Robert Champion didn’t get a march or anything like that? Since you guys want to rally for everything else, march for everything else but Robert Champion is just like swept underneath the rug now,” Seidner stated.

Champion’s family says they are struggling to deal with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding their son’s death. The next grand jury is set to meet on April 25th.

According to the state attorney’s office, there has been no arrest made and students seem to have forgotten about a fallen rattler.

“Well, I think it’s pretty sad. But, as a rattler and about to graduate, I want us to actually have a memorial for Robert Champion and I think that will benefit us,” said FAMU student Antonio Duncan.