4. “Crossing Bus C” At Florida A&M
Drum major Robert Champion collapsed and died in November 2011. Cause of death? Florida A&M’s hazing tradition known as “Crossing Bus C,” a 3-step process which ended aboard a parked bus, hours after a FAMU football game. During the final phase, Robert was struck repeatedly with fists and instruments. At least 15 other band members were involved. Robert soon became ill. After vomiting and having difficulty breathing, he fell unconscious.
It’s a ritual going back very far. “Some might say tradition killed Robert Champion. And there’s some truth to that,” said attorney Jeff Ashton. Robert’s death exposed an entire culture of hazing within the band. Leading to the resignation of both the band director and Florida A&M University’s president. It was also revealed Florida A&M had no internal controls to prevent, nor detect hazing. Robert’s parents received $1.1 million and a formal apology as a settlement.
3. Delta Sigma Theta – No Sleep
In recent years, hazing among woman has become even more grueling than what men go through. In 2010, sorority “Delta Sigma Theta” forced initiates to do many things. They held push-up positions and did wall sit ups for long periods of time. They were also told to stand on one leg and hold heavy bricks over their heads. Awesomely, they rubbed hot sauce on their lips and ate large raw onions. And for dinner, they consumed buckets of cottage cheese and buttermilk.
Victoria Carter and Briana Gather died in a car accident in 2010. And “Delta Lipsticks” had something to do with it. According to court documents. The driver of the vehicle was suffering from “excessive and overwhelming fatigue.” And also “sleep deprivation.” The night of their two deaths, just hours before, they prepared to take part in a “probate death march.” Apparently, they didn’t have many opportunities to sleep.
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