Amid a lawsuit from the parents of a Florida A&M University student that died during hazing, the president of the historically black institution has resigned. James Ammons, the 10th president of the university, announced his resignation today in a letter to the school’s governing board. Further details on Ammons’ resignation are still forthcoming. His resignation will not take effect until October.

Just before Ammons’ announcement, the parents of Robert Champion alleged that the school “failed to properly supervise, train, discipline and control the FAMU Band.” Champion is the FAMU drum major who was beaten so severely by his peers in November 2011 that he died. For this, the parents are seeking $15,000 in damages from the school.

As previously reported, FAMU’s famed marching band has been suspended until 2013. Additionally, the Florida A&M chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternity Incorporated has closed its chapter until 2017. The band director, Julian White, resigned in May. Thirteen Marching 100 members have been charged in the death of Champion; 11 of which could face up to six years in prison. -danielle canada