High Country Times

The House of Representatives has passed H.R. 5646, known as the bipartisan Stop Campus Hazing Act, aimed at addressing hazing on college campuses and ensuring student safety nationwide.

Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) emphasized the significance of the bill, stating, “Postsecondary education in America has been besieged by hazing for far too long – the safety and well-being of students must remain a top priority no matter what institution they attend. The bipartisan Stop Campus Hazing Act will increase transparency and improve reporting processes at educational institutions across the nation.” She acknowledged the efforts of parents, families, organizations, and campus safety professionals in bringing this legislation forward.

Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA) highlighted the urgency of the bill by noting that since 2000, over 100 hazing-related deaths have occurred on college campuses. He remarked, “Fortunately, the Stop Campus Hazing Act aims to prevent students from dangerous hazing on college campuses. By improving reporting and mandating prevention programs, this bill is a bipartisan measure to protect the health and safety of students while ensuring that students and their parents can make informed decisions when joining campus organizations.”

Representative Jeff Duncan (R-SC) reflected on a personal tragedy related to hazing. He said, “10 years after Tucker Hipps’ tragic death from a suspected incident of campus hazing, the family still searches for justice. I want to thank Chair Foxx for her support, as well as Clemson University and the fraternal councils for realizing the need to move forward with these reforms.” Duncan expressed pride in presenting this bipartisan legislation alongside Congresswoman Lucy McBath (D-GA) to honor Tucker’s memory and those of other victims by mandating greater transparency in fraternity hazing reporting.

Congresswoman Lucy McBath shared her personal connection to loss due to child fatalities. She stated, “I know the pain of losing a child. I know the hole it leaves in your soul and the questions it leaves us to dwell on for the rest of our lives. Throughout this process, I have been heartbroken to hear stories of those who lost children to hazing and are now continuing their legacies by making change.” McBath praised her colleagues' support for passing this legislation aimed at protecting student health, safety, and success.

The Stop Campus Hazing Act mandates universities report hazing incidents under the Clery Act with a consistent definition across all postsecondary institutions. It also requires comprehensive prevention programs for faculty and students while respecting existing anti-hazing processes at institutional and state levels.

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