Previously, DMGS covered efforts to restrict hazing on college campuses. Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of their willingness to participate, which often takes many forms. Hazing deaths and injuries remain a prevalent issue on many college campuses, particularly in the Greek life system, causing many colleges to enforce regulations against hazing. State legislators have also continued to introduce various pieces of anti-hazing legislation.
New York Anti-Hazing Legislature Introduced
In January 2023, the New York legislature introduced Assembly Bill A963. This bill would enact anti-hazing educational programs at secondary and post-secondary institutions, requiring them to report hazing violations publicly. The educational programs laid out in the bill would solidify a concrete definition and policy of hazing and offer resources to students about how to report hazing violations. Schools would face penalties if they do not implement the programs in the bill or report hazing violations to the state. As of October 2024, this bill remained in the Assembly’s Education Committee.
Rhode Island Anti-Hazing Legislation Stalls
In March 2024, the Rhode Island Senate introduced Senate Bill 2678 to add further definitions for the prohibition of hazing. If enacted, this bill would make coaches and others criminally accountable for knowingly failing to prevent hazing in their area of work. It would also increase the criminal penalty, up to 10 years imprisonment, for those committing acts of hazing that result in bodily injury. In April 2024, the Senate Judiciary recommended that this measure be held for further study, and the bill did not advance during the session.
Virginia Anti-Hazing Bill Passed
In early 2024, the Virginia State legislature passed House Bill 980 to ensure anti-hazing in higher education. The bill passed unanimously in both the House and Senate and was signed into law on April 4, 2024. The law requires public institutions to incorporate an anti-hazing policy as a code, set of standards, or governing board. It also enhances support for students who report incidents of hazing and bullying, giving them immunity from disciplinary action. Institutions must investigate any reports of hazing and will face punishment if they do not. The law also requires schools to provide on-campus mental and behavioral support to students who report an act of hazing or bullying.
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