Nonchalant
Hail, Hail To Thee...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 16, 2011
CONTACT:
John Michael Lee, Jr., PhD
President and CEO
North Star Educational Consulting, LLC
Cell: 646-351-7864
Alt. Cell: 646-221-6202
2003 FAMU Graduate
JohnLee1906@gmail.com
AN OPEN LETTER TO FAMU ALUMNI, FAMILY AND FRIENDS:
Tallahassee, Florida, 12/16/2010 - It's time for all FAMU Alumni to step up and join the students of FAMU in making sure our voices are heard on the current issues that are confronting FAMU. I am not sure where the FAMU Alumni Association President is during all of this nor am I aware of what the FAMU Alumni Association is doing to combat the assault on our illustrious university. However, the time to act to save FAMU is now.
Do not believe for one moment that much of the political showcase and sensational journalism that we are witnessing has anything to do with the death of Robert Champion or the alleged financial irregularities in the finances of the FAMU Marching 100. Instead, this is a fight for the future of FAMU. We must tell our Board of Trustees to stand strong and to keep our leadership in tact so that we do not suffer the leadership vacuum that almost brought FAMU to her knees under then FL BOG appointee Castell Bryant. Castell wrought havoc on FAMU that resulted in the university being placed on accreditation probation.
Dr. Ammons has come back to FAMU and in record time fixed the chaos that was produced the last time there was interference at FAMU by the Florida Board of Governors and then Governor Jeb Bush. Dr. Ammons has proven his leadership and commitment to provide clean audits at FAMU, to correct regulatory irregularities, and to provide the leadership necessary to thrust FAMU to stability. Though the recent events are tragic, they are not a reflection of Dr. Ammons leadership, the character of the 13,000 students at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, or the thousands of proud FAMU Alumni across the globe.
Governor Scott has told the FAMU BOT- which is entrusted with all matters pertaining to the President of FAMU- to suspend Dr. Ammons. Not only does Gov. Scott lack the legal standing to make such a request that supersedes the FAMU Board of Trustees, the Florida Board of Governors and the Constitution of the State of Florida.
This is modern day lynching of an majority Black school by both the Florida Governor, the Florida Board of Governors, the State University System of Florida Chancellor, and the national media. Hazing is not unique to FAMU nor is it found only in the confines of HBCUs. The list of hazing Incidents that from across the country (Appendix A-attached) shows that hazing is indeed a part of universities (Predominately White and Historically Black) across the country: Also, the idea that hazing is only associated with bands and fraternities and sororities is also false. An Alfred University survey found that almost 80 percent of college athletes have been hazed; the vast majority of hazing incidents -- on the high school, college and pro levels -- go unreported. Appendix B (attached) contains a list compiled by ESPN.com- with the help of hazing authority Hank Nuwer - of 68 alleged and confirmed incidents of hazing on the high school, college and professional levels that occurred from 1980-2000. Most situations came to light through the police or court system. I would also like to share with you a list of Hazing Situations that have resulted in the Death of a student at Colleges and Universities from 1838-2011 across the country dating back to 1838 to 2011 (Appendix C attached).
Hazing is indeed a national problem that is found throughout many aspects of American society, and FAMU is indeed a microcosm of that greater society. The appendices include public and private universities, elite and open access universities, urban and rural universities, and Predominantly White Institution, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, etc. Most instances of hazing related deaths have occurred on Predominantly White Universities, many of which have been repeat offenders such as Cornell University, which has had five hazing-related deaths since 1832. The mos recent incident at Cornell University was earlier this year on February 25, 2011. George Desdunes, a Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity member and student at Cornell University, was found unresponsive in the fraternity house early Friday morning and transported to the hospital, where he later died. The national media did not even look twice at this incident. There have also been over 18 other hazing-related deaths in across the nation in 2011 alone.
Incidents at Florida State University (2011) and the University of Miami (2002) - both Predominantly White Institutions in the State of Florida- have received near the publicity of the incident at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University- a Historically Black institution in the State of Florida. Florida State University is also a repeat hazing offender and has a history of hazing in its marching band program as well. In 1999 at an off-campus party, Chad Temple and three other members of the Florida State University Marching Chiefs, including the two saxophone section leaders, were barred from the band as punishment for hazing -- including paddling of second-year band students. There is clearly a difference in treatment of cases at the Florida’s Predominantly White Universities and Florida’s Only Historically Black University.
I and all FAMUANS call into question Governor Scott’s call for Dr. Ammons to be suspended pending this investigation. Why didn’t Governor Scott ask the Eric J. Barron, President of Florida State University, to step down on January 9, 2011 when a Florida State University sophomore, Ashley Cowie, was shot and killed at the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity house in what has been deemed an accidental, but alcohol-related, shooting. Cowie was a member of Chi Omega Sorority. A Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity member has been charged with manslaughter in the case. Governor Scott also did not ask for an FDLE investigation into the incident at Florida State University nor did the media sensationalize this event. Similarly, in 2002, Chad Meredith, a freshman at the University of Miami, died in a fraternity related hazing incident on the University of Miami campus in November, 2002. Again, there was no gubernatorial intervention in that death, nor was the Florida FDLE asked to investigate that case.
The only reason that I believe Governor Scott would ask for Dr. Ammons to resign is so that he can place a leader at FAMU that would seek the destruction of FAMU. Alumni have already begun speculating that there are those who would use the tragedy that has happened at FAMU to further other political motivations and to gain control of and eliminate the state’s only Public Historically Black College or University so that Florida State University can absorb its resources just as it did its law school in 1968.
I understand that some people would like to find a single person to blame or a scapegoat, neither Dr. Ammons, Dr. White nor the Marching 100 is responsible for this tragedy. Instead, it is poor choices that caused the death of Mr. Champion. These choices happen on a student level in the face of encouragement and controls to ensure that these students do not engage in hazing. The university must arm itself with the facts surrounding Hazing nationwide, and the university must never be afraid to embrace the media to tell this story. As you can see, many universities have experienced hazing tragedies and have made it out unscathed. FAMU will be no different. However, the university and the board of trustees must be diligent in weathering this storm. It should be understood that panic is never an option, and should never be used in crisis situations. It makes the situation more chaotic, and does little to solve the problem.
I am asking all FAMU Alumni, students, Parents, Family and Friends from around the globe to reach out and voice your support for FAMU and Dr. Ammons and to reach out in a grassroots letter writing campaign that makes our demands clear:
1) We want Dr. Ammons to remain the President of FAMU,
2) We want the Governor and the Florida Board of Governors to stay out of FAMU Affairs , and
3) We want the FAMU Board of Trustees to stand up and take its proper role.
If you need more information or would like to contact me for any reason, feel free to do so. My contact information is provided below. However, we must lead the charge to save FAMU!!! Please forward this letter to all FAMU Alumni, FAMILY and FRIENDS.
With FAMU FOREVER in Mind,
John Michael Lee, Jr., PhD
Cell: 646-351-7864
Alt. Cell: 646-221-6202
2003 FAMU Gradute
JohnLee1906@gmail.com
ABOUT NORTH STAR EDUCATIONAL CONSULTING, LLC- North Star Educational Consulting (NSEC) is an educational consulting company that was started by John Michael Lee, Jr., President and CEO, to help improve the educational environment for children throughout the nation. NSEC provides motivational speaking to students, workshops for teachers; test score analysis for schools and districts, and strategies for schools and districts to increase student educational attainment.
About John Michael Lee Jr., PhD-John Michael Lee, Jr, PhD is the president and CEO of North Star Educational Consulting,LLC. John also serves as the policy director for the Advocacy and Policy Center in the Advocacy, Government Relations and Development unit at the College Board. John earned his Ph.D. in higher education administration from New York University and his MPA with a concentration in economic development from the Andrew Young School at Georgia State University. John is also a 2003 graduate at Florida A&M University and a former member of the Marching 100.
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December 16, 2011
CONTACT:
John Michael Lee, Jr., PhD
President and CEO
North Star Educational Consulting, LLC
Cell: 646-351-7864
Alt. Cell: 646-221-6202
2003 FAMU Graduate
JohnLee1906@gmail.com
AN OPEN LETTER TO FAMU ALUMNI, FAMILY AND FRIENDS:
Tallahassee, Florida, 12/16/2010 - It's time for all FAMU Alumni to step up and join the students of FAMU in making sure our voices are heard on the current issues that are confronting FAMU. I am not sure where the FAMU Alumni Association President is during all of this nor am I aware of what the FAMU Alumni Association is doing to combat the assault on our illustrious university. However, the time to act to save FAMU is now.
Do not believe for one moment that much of the political showcase and sensational journalism that we are witnessing has anything to do with the death of Robert Champion or the alleged financial irregularities in the finances of the FAMU Marching 100. Instead, this is a fight for the future of FAMU. We must tell our Board of Trustees to stand strong and to keep our leadership in tact so that we do not suffer the leadership vacuum that almost brought FAMU to her knees under then FL BOG appointee Castell Bryant. Castell wrought havoc on FAMU that resulted in the university being placed on accreditation probation.
Dr. Ammons has come back to FAMU and in record time fixed the chaos that was produced the last time there was interference at FAMU by the Florida Board of Governors and then Governor Jeb Bush. Dr. Ammons has proven his leadership and commitment to provide clean audits at FAMU, to correct regulatory irregularities, and to provide the leadership necessary to thrust FAMU to stability. Though the recent events are tragic, they are not a reflection of Dr. Ammons leadership, the character of the 13,000 students at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, or the thousands of proud FAMU Alumni across the globe.
Governor Scott has told the FAMU BOT- which is entrusted with all matters pertaining to the President of FAMU- to suspend Dr. Ammons. Not only does Gov. Scott lack the legal standing to make such a request that supersedes the FAMU Board of Trustees, the Florida Board of Governors and the Constitution of the State of Florida.
This is modern day lynching of an majority Black school by both the Florida Governor, the Florida Board of Governors, the State University System of Florida Chancellor, and the national media. Hazing is not unique to FAMU nor is it found only in the confines of HBCUs. The list of hazing Incidents that from across the country (Appendix A-attached) shows that hazing is indeed a part of universities (Predominately White and Historically Black) across the country: Also, the idea that hazing is only associated with bands and fraternities and sororities is also false. An Alfred University survey found that almost 80 percent of college athletes have been hazed; the vast majority of hazing incidents -- on the high school, college and pro levels -- go unreported. Appendix B (attached) contains a list compiled by ESPN.com- with the help of hazing authority Hank Nuwer - of 68 alleged and confirmed incidents of hazing on the high school, college and professional levels that occurred from 1980-2000. Most situations came to light through the police or court system. I would also like to share with you a list of Hazing Situations that have resulted in the Death of a student at Colleges and Universities from 1838-2011 across the country dating back to 1838 to 2011 (Appendix C attached).
Hazing is indeed a national problem that is found throughout many aspects of American society, and FAMU is indeed a microcosm of that greater society. The appendices include public and private universities, elite and open access universities, urban and rural universities, and Predominantly White Institution, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, etc. Most instances of hazing related deaths have occurred on Predominantly White Universities, many of which have been repeat offenders such as Cornell University, which has had five hazing-related deaths since 1832. The mos recent incident at Cornell University was earlier this year on February 25, 2011. George Desdunes, a Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity member and student at Cornell University, was found unresponsive in the fraternity house early Friday morning and transported to the hospital, where he later died. The national media did not even look twice at this incident. There have also been over 18 other hazing-related deaths in across the nation in 2011 alone.
Incidents at Florida State University (2011) and the University of Miami (2002) - both Predominantly White Institutions in the State of Florida- have received near the publicity of the incident at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University- a Historically Black institution in the State of Florida. Florida State University is also a repeat hazing offender and has a history of hazing in its marching band program as well. In 1999 at an off-campus party, Chad Temple and three other members of the Florida State University Marching Chiefs, including the two saxophone section leaders, were barred from the band as punishment for hazing -- including paddling of second-year band students. There is clearly a difference in treatment of cases at the Florida’s Predominantly White Universities and Florida’s Only Historically Black University.
I and all FAMUANS call into question Governor Scott’s call for Dr. Ammons to be suspended pending this investigation. Why didn’t Governor Scott ask the Eric J. Barron, President of Florida State University, to step down on January 9, 2011 when a Florida State University sophomore, Ashley Cowie, was shot and killed at the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity house in what has been deemed an accidental, but alcohol-related, shooting. Cowie was a member of Chi Omega Sorority. A Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity member has been charged with manslaughter in the case. Governor Scott also did not ask for an FDLE investigation into the incident at Florida State University nor did the media sensationalize this event. Similarly, in 2002, Chad Meredith, a freshman at the University of Miami, died in a fraternity related hazing incident on the University of Miami campus in November, 2002. Again, there was no gubernatorial intervention in that death, nor was the Florida FDLE asked to investigate that case.
The only reason that I believe Governor Scott would ask for Dr. Ammons to resign is so that he can place a leader at FAMU that would seek the destruction of FAMU. Alumni have already begun speculating that there are those who would use the tragedy that has happened at FAMU to further other political motivations and to gain control of and eliminate the state’s only Public Historically Black College or University so that Florida State University can absorb its resources just as it did its law school in 1968.
I understand that some people would like to find a single person to blame or a scapegoat, neither Dr. Ammons, Dr. White nor the Marching 100 is responsible for this tragedy. Instead, it is poor choices that caused the death of Mr. Champion. These choices happen on a student level in the face of encouragement and controls to ensure that these students do not engage in hazing. The university must arm itself with the facts surrounding Hazing nationwide, and the university must never be afraid to embrace the media to tell this story. As you can see, many universities have experienced hazing tragedies and have made it out unscathed. FAMU will be no different. However, the university and the board of trustees must be diligent in weathering this storm. It should be understood that panic is never an option, and should never be used in crisis situations. It makes the situation more chaotic, and does little to solve the problem.
I am asking all FAMU Alumni, students, Parents, Family and Friends from around the globe to reach out and voice your support for FAMU and Dr. Ammons and to reach out in a grassroots letter writing campaign that makes our demands clear:
1) We want Dr. Ammons to remain the President of FAMU,
2) We want the Governor and the Florida Board of Governors to stay out of FAMU Affairs , and
3) We want the FAMU Board of Trustees to stand up and take its proper role.
If you need more information or would like to contact me for any reason, feel free to do so. My contact information is provided below. However, we must lead the charge to save FAMU!!! Please forward this letter to all FAMU Alumni, FAMILY and FRIENDS.
With FAMU FOREVER in Mind,
John Michael Lee, Jr., PhD
Cell: 646-351-7864
Alt. Cell: 646-221-6202
2003 FAMU Gradute
JohnLee1906@gmail.com
ABOUT NORTH STAR EDUCATIONAL CONSULTING, LLC- North Star Educational Consulting (NSEC) is an educational consulting company that was started by John Michael Lee, Jr., President and CEO, to help improve the educational environment for children throughout the nation. NSEC provides motivational speaking to students, workshops for teachers; test score analysis for schools and districts, and strategies for schools and districts to increase student educational attainment.
About John Michael Lee Jr., PhD-John Michael Lee, Jr, PhD is the president and CEO of North Star Educational Consulting,LLC. John also serves as the policy director for the Advocacy and Policy Center in the Advocacy, Government Relations and Development unit at the College Board. John earned his Ph.D. in higher education administration from New York University and his MPA with a concentration in economic development from the Andrew Young School at Georgia State University. John is also a 2003 graduate at Florida A&M University and a former member of the Marching 100.
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