Stop Campus Hazing Act
Lincoln University Police Department
Stop Campus Hazing Act
Public Law 118-173 (138 Stat. 2597)
This law aims to increase transparency and accountability regarding hazing incidents on college campuses, ultimately promoting a safer environment for students. Overall, the law aims to create a safer environment for students by holding organizations accountable and promoting awareness about the harmful effects of hazing.
Purpose: This law amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education to disclose hazing incidents.
Key Provisions:
- Inclusion in Annual Security Reports: Institutions must include statistics on hazing incidents in their annual security reports.
- Definition of Hazing: Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person against another person, often during initiation into or affiliation with a student organization, that causes or creates a risk of physical or psychological injury.
- Compilation of Statistics: Institutions must compile statistics on hazing incidents, including details such as the nature of the act and the number of incidents.
- Implementation: Institutions must start collecting and reporting hazing statistics by January 1 of the year following the enactment of the law.
The Stop Campus Hazing Act (Public Law 118-173) significantly impacts student organizations in several ways:
- Increased Accountability: Student organizations must be more vigilant about their activities, as any hazing incidents will be reported and included in the institution's annual security reports.
- Stricter Oversight: Universities will likely implement stricter oversight and monitoring of student organizations to ensure compliance with the new reporting requirements.
- Education and Training: There will be greater emphasis on educating members of student organizations about the dangers and legal consequences of hazing. This could include mandatory training sessions on hazing prevention.
The legal consequences for hazing can be quite severe and vary depending on the specifics of the incident.
Here are some common legal repercussions:
- Criminal Charges: Hazing can result in criminal charges, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. For example, hazing that leads to serious bodily injury or death can be classified as a felony, which may carry significant prison time and hefty fines.
- Civil Lawsuits: Victims of hazing or their families can file civil lawsuits against individuals and organizations involved in the hazing. These lawsuits can result in substantial financial penalties.
- School Disciplinary Actions: Students involved in hazing may face disciplinary actions from their educational institutions, including suspension or expulsion.
- Organizational Consequences: Student organizations found to be involved in hazing can face severe penalties, such as loss of recognition, suspension, or permanent banning from the campus.
- Reputational Damage: Both individuals and organizations involved in hazing can suffer long-term reputational damage, affecting future opportunities and relationships.