09.24.24

House Passes Bipartisan Stop Campus Hazing Act to Protect Students and Combat Hazing

WASHINGTONEducation and the Workforce Committee Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA), Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Representative Lucy McBath (D-GA), Representative Jeff Duncan (R-SC), issued the following statements after the House passed H.R. 5646, the bipartisan Stop Campus Hazing Act, a critical measure aimed at combating hazing and enhancing student safety across college campuses nationwide.

“Since the year 2000, there have been more than 100 hazing-related deaths on college campuses. Fortunately, the Stop Campus Hazing Act, aims to prevent students from dangerous hazing on college campuses," said Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott. “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.

“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,” said Chairwoman Foxx. “The relentless advocacy of parents, families, dedicated organizations, and campus safety professionals has played an instrumental role in bringing this commonsense legislation to fruition.”

“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 the stories of those who lost children to hazing and are now continuing their legacies by making change,” said Representative Lucy McBath. “Our bipartisan, bicameral legislation strengthens important national standards for data collection and reporting so that students, their families, and our nation can stop these horrific instances. I am delighted to see it pass the House and thank my colleagues for their support as we strive to protect the health, safety, and success of our students.”

“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,” said Representative Jeff Duncan. “Today, I am proud to bring bipartisan legislation to the House floor along with my friend and colleague Congresswoman McBath to honor Tucker’s memory and the memories of hundreds of other campus hazing victims by mandating greater transparency in fraternity hazing reporting.”

Together, these efforts mark a significant advancement in the fight against hazing, paving the way for safer college environments. With the Stop Campus Hazing Act, we are taking essential steps to ensure that students can thrive in safe and respectful academic settings.

To read the full text of the Stop Campus Hazing Act, click here

To read the fact sheet of the Stop Campus Hazing Act, click here

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