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Family Of Robert Champion To File Lawsuit Against FAMU

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – After suffering the loss of their son Robert Champion, a drum major who died after being hazed by his Marching 100 bandmates, his parents will be in Orlando Wednesday to file a lawsuit against Florida A&M University.

Family spokesperson Ryan Julison said the lawsuit is near ready and that Champion's parents Pamela and Robert will be making a trip from Georgia to Orlando to file it, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

"The situation has been evolving. There has been new information coming on an ongoing basis," Julison told the paper.

This lawsuit should come to no surprise.

Champion's parents announced months ago that they planned to sue the school, but Florida law required them to wait at least six months due to FAMU being a state institution.

The parents did not waste anytime suing others however.

In February, the Champions filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the charter bus company and the driver of the bus Champion was found beaten to death on.

Over the years, FAMU has been in the spotlight due to a number of other hazing incidents involving their marching band.

Late last week, FAMU released records which showed that the Dean of Students had recommended three days before Champion's death that the band be suspended long-term due to concerns about hazing.

FAMU's former police chief also has said he urged top administrators during a meeting held on that day to keep the band off the field.

University President James Ammons, who was given a vote of no confidence last month by university trustees in the wake of Champion's death scandal and ongoing management troubles, has suspended the band for the upcoming football season.  No plans have been made as to when they will return.

The Orlando Sentinel contributed to this report.

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