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.
FAMU officials say that 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.”