FAMU lifts 4 student expulsions in hazing probe

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Four students who were expelled from Florida A&M University for their role in what is believed to be the hazing death of a marching band member have returned to classes because the investigation is not finished, school officials said today.

The status of band director Julian White also changed. He had faced termination Dec. 22 but is now on administrative leave with pay, FAMU attorney David Self said during a break in meetings of the school's board of trustees in Orlando.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement asked the university to stop any disciplinary action until a criminal investigation into the death of Robert Champion is done.

Detectives say hazing played a role in his Nov. 19 death. He died aboard a band bus after a football game against rival Bethune-Cookman University. Witnesses said he vomited before becoming unresponsive.