ACLU Head Questions FAMU's Ban on Student Groups

Tallahassee, FL (AP) - The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida is criticizing Florida A&M University's decision to cancel a summer band camp and block students from joining clubs during a hazing investigation.

State ACLU executive director Howard Simon says the move violates students' first amendment rights. He's made a public records request to school President James Ammons for an explanation on the bans announced earlier this week.

Simon says the right for students to gather and discuss various issues must be protected.

Ammons said Tuesday that he's cancelling a summer band camp and temporarily blocking students from joining clubs while the university reviews how those groups operate. The band has come under scrutiny as a probe continues into the hazing-related death of a band member in November.

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Update 1-31-2012 9:47pm

FAMU's president is making major changes to assure safety within the Marching 100 Band and other student organizations.

This is in response to the hazing death drum major Robert Champion.

A student safety forum is just one of the things that FAMU is doing in wake of the hazing death of Marching 100 drum major Robert Champion.

During the forum Tuesday at the Lawson Center, University President Dr. James Ammons announced other actions he's taking.

He is cancelling this summer's band camp, and he is temporarily suspending the induction, enrollment, initiation, membership intake and recruitment for all student clubs and organizations until the fall.

FAMU student Chris Watson says, "It's really brought a lot of stress on our school. FAMU is a very good school. We're one of the top 15 most popular universities in the country, and it's just a great place to be."

Administrators want to make sure it's a safe place to be, and that's why they held the forum.

Student Perris Jones says, "I thought the forum was very informative. They took a lot of topics that I thought was very good for the school as a whole."

A panel of administrators answered student questions; and said it's going to take an assertive effort by the entire campus to end hazing.

Students hope the forum helps.

Student Stephon Williams says, "It depends on the student. If the student came and actually listened and they wanted to make a difference, it could make a difference. But, if they just came because it was mandatory, then most likely it wouldn't."

Dr. Ammons says organizations can continue to exist with current members during this semester. But, again, no new membership is allowed.

Dr. Ammons says any organization in violation of the temporary suspension will be suspended as a campus organization in accordance with university guidelines.

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FAMU PRESIDENT TEMPORARILY SUSPENDS MEMBERSHIP INTAKE FOR CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS AND CANCELS 2012 SUMMER BAND CAMP

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University (FAMU) President James H. Ammons announced Tuesday that he will temporarily suspend the induction, enrollment, initiation, membership intake and recruitment for all student clubs and organizations until fall 2012. Ammons also announced the cancellation of the 2012 Summer Band Camp.

“Our top priority is the health, safety and well being of students,” said Ammons. “We are convening a panel of experts and outstanding thinkers to provide advice and recommendations on the operation of student organizations. Before we enter into a new student intake process, we should have the benefit of the work coming from the committees and the investigations.”

Ammons made the decision to suspend intake and other membership activities after discussions with student leaders, advisors and other university personnel.

“I totally support this effort,” said Breyon Love, president of FAMU Student Government Association. “This issue of hazing has had a far-reaching impact on the university and I believe that we need to pause for a moment to make sure that all of our students are ready to seriously move in a direction which will result in a complete culture change. We want to make sure every student knows about the personal responsibility they have in making sure we wipe out hazing on our campus.”

According to Ammons, the temporary suspension on initiation and membership intake is effective as of January 31, 2012. Ammons delivered the news at a mandatory campus wide forum on safety which included a panel discussion by a group of campus administrators who focused on the assistance available to the campus community when safety issues arise and what the reporting responsibilities are for students, faculty and staff.

According to university officials, any organization in violation of the temporary suspension will be suspended as a campus organization in accordance with university guidelines.

Ammons told the group he has decided to cancel the band camp in light of the on-going investigation and the plans to convene a FAMU Board of Trustees Anti-Hazing Committee that will review how FAMU will best govern band activities. Ammons said he would like to give this panel, the board and the administration the opportunity to do a thorough review before reinstating any marching band programs.

“In no way have we terminated our curriculum in music,” said Ammons. ‘We have a group of talented music faculty who prepare students for great careers in music and other pursuits. We will continue this very important academic program for the benefit of any current students or future students that might choose to pursue this degree. We have also continued our scholarship support of students who meet the appropriate criteria and will continue to do so, pending the availability of funds.”

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Tallahassee, FL -- January 31, 2012 --

Dr. James Ammons announced a couple of new initiatives during today's hazing forum at the Al Lawson Center.

Ammons announced there will be no summer camp for the Marching 100.

In addition, Ammons stated there was a temporary suspension of new member intake for all FAMU clubs and organizations.