Julian White, fired band director of Florida A&M’s “Marching 100,” said his warnings on hazing were ignored by university leaders. White, 71, said he has been made the scapegoat for the death of Robert Champion, a FAMU band member who died on Nov. 19.

Hazing is an initiation process, which involves the harassment, abuse or humiliation of another person. Hazing has been linked to athletics, fraternities and sororities, as well as band membership. Many proponents of this ritual say hazing bonds those to the particular organization they are seeking membership in. But in Robert Champion’s case, this has led to his early demise.

A Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University student dies after being found unresponsive on a bus. Robert Champion, 26, was on the bus with fellow band mates when he experienced difficulties breathing. Investigators are awaiting the results of the autopsy and will determine if Champion’s death was a homicide.