Florida A&M Can't Stop the Hazing, So It Will Stop Clubs

Florida A&M University's hazing problem, which has already claimed the life of one student, has gotten so serious that the college has now suspended all of its clubs.

Florida A&M University's hazing problem, which has already claimed the life of one student,has gotten so serious that the college has now suspended all of its clubs. James Ammons, the university's president, announced Tuesday that he has canceled band camp and suspended the recruitment of students for all clubs and organizations until the fall 2012 semester. "Our top priority is the health, safety and well being of students," he said. "We are convening a panel of experts and outstanding thinkers to provide advice and recommendations on the operation of student organizations."

Ammons announcement comes, as CNN reports, after four members of the university's storied marching band's (the Marching 100) clarinet section were arrested on hazing-related charges. Looming in the background is the November hazing death of one of its drum majors, Robert Champion. The Miami Herald reports that although Champion's death has been ruled a homicide and linked to hazing, no arrests have been made. CNN has a bit more on the alleged hazing ritual that may have caused:

Some band members have said Champion died after taking part in a rite of passage called "crossing Bus C." One member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, explained that students "walk from the front of the bus to the back of the bus backward while the bus is full of other band members, and you get beaten until you get to the back."