TALLAHASSEE - In order to prevent interference with the outcome of the investigation into the recent death of Florida A&M University (FAMU) drum major Robert Champion, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has requested that all disciplinary action regarding students and employees be put on hold. At today’s Board of Trustees meeting, FAMU officials confirmed that it is suspending the termination of Dr. Julian White, tenured professor, director of bands, and chair of the department of music.

STATEMENTS FROM MR. HOBBS & DR. WHITE:

“This is a step in the right direction, but we still believe that administrative leave with pay is tantamount to a form of discipline. We will continue exploring all legal options to have Dr. White fully reinstated as Director of Bands and to his position as full tenured professor and chair of the FAMU Department of Music.”

Chuck Hobbs, Attorney for Dr. Julian White

“This continues to be a sad time for the entire FAMU community, but each day, I see that Robert Champion’s death was not in vain. A dialogue of healing has begun, and I’m encouraged to see students, faculty, alumni, administrators and trustees taking steps to get rid of hazing. Robert’s parents are starting a hazing hotline. Today I joined ministers and community members at a prayer service for the Champion family, the Marching 100, and for the FAMU Nation. I ask people to continue praying for the Champions and for the Rattler Nation, and I look forward to working with these groups to eradicate hazing on and off campuses throughout the country? in Robert’s name.”

Dr. Julian E. White

Dr. Julian E. White is a tenured and Distinguished Professor of Music, who has served as Chairman of the Music Department has served as Director of Bands, including the famous Marchg 100 since 1998. Dr. White was associate professor and associate director of bands from 1973-1997. White has been the recipient of two Teacher of the Year Awards and the Teacher of the Year Award from the Army ROTC. White has received the NAACP Achievement Award and is a past recipient of the University Superior Accomplishment Award. He also has received the Distinguished Professor/Advanced Teacher of the Year Award, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award; the FAMU Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award, and the Thurgood Marshall Outstanding Achiever Award sponsored by the Fed Ex Orange Bowl Committee. Dr. White was honored by the Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity with the Distinguished Service to Music Award, first won by the legendary John Phillip Sousa.