SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — Florida A&M University is offering to pay $300,000 to the family of a drum major who died last year after he was beaten during a hazing ritual.

The university made the offer this week following an unsuccessful mediation session between university attorneys and attorneys representing Robert Champion’s family. The family has sued the university.

The amount represents the maximum amount FAMU can pay without seeking the Florida Legislature’s approval.

Larry Robinson, FAMU’s interim president, would not comment directly on the offer. Robinson would only say the university legal team is trying to resolve the litigation.

Champion died after he was beaten by fellow members of The Marching 100 during a hazing ritual in Orlando. An attorney for Champion’s family and a spokesman didn’t immediately return calls for comment.

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