FAMU trustees say no to Rick Scott's request to suspend school president

Dr. James H. Ammons, President
 Florida A&M University

TALLAHASSEE — Florida A&M University trustees needed just two minutes Monday to dismiss Gov. Rick Scott's call to suspend President James Ammons as authorities investigate a student's hazing death and allegations of financial fraud.

"We will stand firm against outside influence regardless of how well intended," said Board of Trustees chairman Solomon Badger.

Meeting via conference call, the 12-member board barely discussed a recommendation that Ammons be removed until the investigations are complete.  Badger suggested the board wait for a final report before taking further disciplinary action against Ammons, the university's president since 2007.

"Dealing with a sensitive matter, such as a student's death, allegations of hazing and the well-founded concerns of the students' safety, requires that we operate on facts," he said.

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