Robert Champion’s Parents Say Hazing Penalties Not Stiff Enough

Pam and Robert Champion, Sr. hold the drum major hat their son wore. Robert Champion, Jr. died after a hazing incident involving the Florida A&M University “Marching 100.”

JIM BURRESS / WABE

The parents of Robert Champion — the Florida A&M University drum major from DeKalb County who died after a hazing ritual — say the punishment doesn’t fit the crime.

Wednesday, prosecutors in Florida charged 13 people in Robert Champion’s death.  Eleven face felony charges with a maximum penalty of six years in prison.   Two others face misdemeanors.

In an interview with NPR Friday, Champion’s mother, Pam, said  her son’s death needs to send a stronger message.