FLORIDA — The retired director of Florida Atlantic University's Marching 100 band spoke with WSBTV's sister station WFTV on Friday about the hazing among band fraternities.
Thirteen people were arrested for the hazing death of drum major Robert Champion, after the Florida Classic in Orlando last November.
For 40 years, Dr. Julian White groomed the famed Marching 100 and exposed the band to performances at parades in New York City and presidential inaugurations.
However, on Thursday, he decided to retire and said the band should be silenced for at least the next year.
"Let the Marching 100 know we love you, but you're going to have to have better control, and not engage in any acts of hazing," White told WFTV reporter Daralene Jones.
In a letter, the State Board of Governors urged the President of FAMU not to reinstate the band.
It's been at the center of controversy since Champion was beaten to death during an alleged hazing ritual.
For months, White fought to keep his job.
But after 13 people were arrested, at least three students, who allegedly hazed Champion and as many as 60 others, were not eligible to be in the band.
"It did slip past me. I admit that. However, the ultimate responsible should not lye with a faculty member," said White.
Javonni Hampton is a senior at Jones High school and said she always dreamed of playing with the Marching 100.
She had a chance at a scholarship, until the band was suspended.
"Have to take out loans. [I'm] looking at $6,000 a year. That was something my parents tried to avoid, but it's impossible without a band scholarship," said Hampton.
White said he is still trying to work out the details on when his retirement will take effect.
University officials couldn't tell WFTV how much money the band generates each year, but many of the 400 students in the band get scholarships through the band's booster program.
WSBTV
