Leaders of college groups are joining with civil rights activist Al Sharpton and black lawmakers to launch a national campaign against hazing in response to the death last year of a Florida A&M University band student.

Phi Beta Sigma fraternity president Jimmy Hammock says deaths due to hazing can no longer be treated as isolated or unrelated incidents. Instead, coalition leaders say they want to go after the culture that has allowed hazing to continue on college campuses.

Several Florida A&M band members have been charged with felony hazing following the death of drum major Robert Champion last November. Champion opposed hazing but friends say he participated to earn respect.

The national anti-hazing campaign includes print and radio ads and a National Anti-hazing Day on Sept. 6.