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Robert Champion : FAMU Says They Are Not Responsible For Student’s Death…

The historically black university that received public scrutiny over a hazing incident, insists they are not responsible for the hazing death of Robert Champion.

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FAMU Drum Major Robert Champion : Robert Champion : FAMU Says They Are Not Responsible For Student's Death

The historically black university that received public scrutiny over a hazing incident, insists they are not responsible for the hazing death of Robert Champion.

In recent legal papers that were filed, Florida A&M University insists they are not responsible for Robert Champion’s death.

The university maintains that it was Champion, not the school, who holds the responsibility for his death. Champion died last November after he was beaten by fellow members of the famed Marching 100 band aboard a charter bus parked outside an Orlando hotel.

The university asserts that the 26-year-old Champion was a top leader in the band and he should have refused to take part in the hazing ritual.

“No public university or college has a legal duty to protect an adult student from the result of their own decision to participate in a dangerous activity while off-campus and after retiring from university-sponsored events,” states the lengthy filing by Richard Mitchell, an attorney with the Gray Robinson law firm hired by FAMU.

Surprisingly, the university maintains Champion witnesses other band members being hazed, and participated in order to gain respect from other band members.

Because of their assertion, the university wants the judge to throw out a lawsuit that has been filed against them by Champion’s family or delay it until the band members criminal charges are resolved.

“Under these circumstances, Florida’s taxpayers should not be held financially liable to Mr. Champion’s estate for the ultimate result of his own imprudent, avoidable and tragic decision and death,” states the motion filed by the university.

The lawsuit represents the first formal response that the university has made in the wake of Champion’s death, which led to arrests of band members, the suspension of the famed band for this football season and the resignation of the school’s president. Twelve former members have pleaded not guilty to charges of felony hazing.

The suit was brought by Champion’s parents, Robert and Pamela Champion of Decatur, Ga. University trustees had discussed trying to mediate the lawsuit, but FAMU’s response may have doomed that effort.

Chris Chestnut, the attorney representing the Champion family, said the lawsuit needs to go forward so that the university is held accountable for allowing a culture of hazing that had been swept under the rug for years.

“Someone has got to hold FAMU accountable,” Chestnut said Monday. “We are now more committed than ever to litigate this case to clear Robert’s name and eradicate the culture of hazing for the safety of future students.”

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Unheard Voices is an award-winning news magazine that started in 2004 as a local Black newsletter in the Asbury Park, Neptune, and Long Branch, NJ areas to now broaden into a recognized Black online media outlet. They are the recipient of the NAACP Unsung Hero Award and CV Magazine's Innovator Award for Best Social Justice Communications Company.

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Culture

‘A Different World’ cast set to reunite for 10-City HBCU tour

The tour will kick off Feb. 29 in Atlanta, Georgia, followed by stops in Washington DC, Montgomery, Alabama and more.

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A Different World tour

In celebration of the sitcom’s 35+ year legacy, the cast of ‘A Different World’ will reunite for a national 10-city tour across HBCUs, reports PEOPLE.

A Different World HBCU tour

Darryl M. Bell (Ronald ‘Ron’ Johnson), Charnele Brown (Kimberly ‘Kim’ Reese), Jasmine Guy (Whitley Marion Gilbert Wayne), Kadeem Hardison (Dwayne Cleophus Wayne), Dawnn Lewis (Jaleesa Vinson Taylor), Cree Summer (Winifred ‘Freddie’ Brooks), Glynn Turman (Col. Bradford ‘Brad’ Taylor) and Sinbad (Walter Oakes) will participate on the tour.

The tour will feature panels and other events and will also be joined by producers Debbie Allen and Susan Fales.

Dates

The HBCU tour will kick off Feb. 29 in Georgia at Atlanta University Center, which include Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, and Morehouse College.

Other locations include Washington, D.C. (hosted by Howard University) and Montgomery, Ala. (hosted by Alabama State University and Tuskegee University). Both will be in April but no date has been released yet.

More dates will be announced soon.


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Education

Spelman College receives $100 million donation, the highest in the college’s history

Spelman College has received its largest donation of $100 million from businesswoman and philanthropist Ronda Stryker and her husband, William Johnston, the chairman of Greenleaf Trust.

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Spelman $100 million
Spelman College historic maker (Creative Commons 4.0 Wikimedia Commons)

Spelman College has received its largest donation of $100 million from businesswoman and philanthropist Ronda Stryker and her husband, William Johnston, the chairman of Greenleaf Trust.

$100 million donation for Spelman is a blessing

The $100 million comes as the nation’s oldest historically Black college for women celebrates 100 years since its official name change from Spelman Baptist Seminary in Sept. 1924.

The college says the gift will help retain the best and brightest students by eliminating financial barriers during the admission process.

“We are invigorated and inspired by this incredible act of generosity,” said Dr. Helene Gayle, president of Spelman College during an interview on CBS Mornings.

“This gift is a critical step in our school’s mission to eliminate financial barriers to starting and finishing a Spelman education. We can’t thank Ronda Stryker enough for her selflessness and support as both a trustee and friend. There’s no doubt that Spelman College is better because of her.”

Spelman is Top ranked

Spelman College has been ranked as the #1 Historically Black College and / or University by U.S. News for 17 consecutive years.

The college has a variety of degree/major offerings but they produce the most graduates who pursue a PhD in science, technology, engineering or math, according to The National Science Foundation.

About Ronda Stryker

Ronda Stryker is an American billionaire heiress and granddaughter of Homer Stryker, an orthopedic surgeon and founder of Stryker Corporation.


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Education

Maryland principal accused of making racist and antisemitic comments

A Maryland principal is in hot water over an audio recording that has been making rounds on social media containing racist and antisemitic comments.

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Maryland principal racist comments Pikesville High
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A Maryland principal is in hot water over an audio recording that has been making rounds on social media containing racist and antisemitic comments.

Maryland principal allegedly makes racist comments

In it, a person purported to be Pikesville’s High School principal, can be heard making disparaging comments about the test scores of African American students.

The person on the recording then makes an offensive comment about an African American staff member at the school and members of the Pikesville Jewish community.

Is the audio real?

There is an investigation into the validity of the recording. Some officials believe the audio is A.I. constructed. Baltimore County schools said they are taking the matter seriously.

Statement from school district

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski issued a statement in response.

“Hate, discrimination, and prejudice have no place in our community — especially in our schools. The statements being circulated are abhorrent, and my administration is providing our full support to BCPS as they conduct as they conduct a thorough investigation. Following the conclusion of this investigation, I know swift action will be taken to hold those involved accountable.”


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