Tuskegee University President Gilbert L. Rochon said hazing can endanger the future of all Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and it will not be tolerated at Tuskegee.

According to a school news release, Rochon said incidents like the suspected hazing-related death of a drum major at Florida A&M University have put all HBCUs under intense scrutiny by critics who believe such institutions are no longer necessary.

“All they want is anything that can be used as ammunition. We have to make sure that we don’t give them the ammunition that they are looking for,” Rochon said at an anti-hazing forum for faculty and staff.

Rochon said it is important to change the perception that membership in a student organization should mean suffering or performing demeaning tasks.