What is Hazing???

Some irresponsible so called news reporters have been throwing around this legal term "HAZING" quite loosely this last week. But myself, being a High School Social Studies teacher, wanted to make sure that the term is not being misconceived erroneously. I noticed that enforcement was so quick to conclude, without all of the facts received, sorted or fully investigated. Life is not simple or Black and White, but when tragedy strikes our home, human nature kicks in and we want and deserve quick answers. While what we really desire, is the TRUTH and nothing but the TRUTH.


Florida - §§ 1006.63 State Statutes define hazing as:
 .—(1) As used in this section, “hazing” means any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes including, but not limited to, initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution. “Hazing” includes, but is not limited to, pressuring or coercing the student into violating state or federal law, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance, or other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student, and also includes any activity that would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment, or other forced activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the student. Hazing does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions or any activity or conduct that furthers a legal and legitimate objective.
Florida A&M University, My Alma Matter, is about to engage in a legal battle that is going to result in punitive restitution to a grieving family.  A family that lost a son with so much potential that was enrolled and served in its Famed Band.  The question is did his untimely demise come at the hand of defined HAZING or a vicious ASSAULT and BATTERY that resulted in MURDER.

My issue is as defined, this young man was NOT being initiated or seeking admission because he had achieved the highest ranking status in the Band as Drum major and in line to be its head drum major for next year. The question then becomes was he seeking to keep his affiliation or acceptance with the band?

Being a member of this Band for 4 years, I know for a fact that Leadership acceptance is not earned through subordinates or individuals of lesser rank and tenure. The tradition and respect is earned through those of senior experience, and by ones own dedication to excellence in musicianship and showmanship.

University Administration has chosen to select a sacrificial lamb in the form of the Band's direly dedicated director. A man who mainly contributed to taking the bands inspiration to an ideal level which has been marketed around the world. This costly sacrifice, I believe is an effort to gain mercy on the court to lessen the degree of punitive damages associated with the death of this young man.

I conclude with, To the University officials and Advisors, payout to this grieving family the reasonable due diligence compensatory to this young man's potential and raise proceeds to subjugate your losses.  But dismissing an Icon of the University will only further damage possible future charitable contributions as well as the hardship of dismantling legacy.