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Dead drum major’s parents condemn Florida A&M University response to suit

ATLANTA — Florida A&M University’s insistence that it is not to blame for a drum major’s death during a hazing ritual shows school officials are not taking responsibility for the safety of students, the band member’s parents said.

Pam and Robert Champion Sr. said they were disappointed by documents filed Monday by the university in response to their lawsuit. The university said in its filing that Robert Champion, 26, as a top leader in the band, should have refused to participate in the ritual. The school asked a judge to toss the lawsuit, or to at least delay action until felony hazing charges against 12 band members are resolved.

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‘‘As a mother, I have to wonder what kind of people are we entrusting our students to,’’ Pam Champion said.

Her husband called the school’s response a ‘‘slap in the face.’’

Robert Champion died in November after he was beaten by fellow members of the famed Marching 100 band aboard a charter bus parked outside an Orlando hotel.

Associated Press