Gov. Rick Scott on Monday called the death of a Florida A&M University drum major a "tragedy," and said he has asked the Board of Governors to look into hazing policies at Florida's universities.
"FDLE is doing the investigation. The Inspector General at the Board of Governors office, with our support, is looking into the administration to make sure we knew if they were doing the right thing. That's a tragedy," Scott told NBC Miami while in town.
Meanwhile, student government leaders at Florida A&M University are asking students to join them in pledging to end hazing at the school after the marching band member died last month.
The group will hold a rally Monday evening at Gaither Gymnasium. Students will be asked to sign an anti-hazing agreement. Student leaders hope this is the first step to eradicating longstanding violent initiations at FAMU. In recent years, members of the school's band have been seriously injured.
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"Any of us that have sent our children off to college, we expect them to come back safe and sound with a great education where they can get a job, not to go through any hazing. I hope that hasn't happened in that case, but we're going to investigate it," Scott said. "I have also asked the Board of Governors to make sure we look at all our hazing policies of our universities because I don't want a tragedy like this to happen again."
Last month, a drum major of the school's famed band, called the Marching 100, died in Orlando. His death was only hours after performing at the annual Florida Classic football game between the Rattlers and rival Bethune-Cookman.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
