U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy’s legislation aimed at addressing hazing on college campuses has moved forward to the President’s desk after receiving unanimous approval from both chambers of Congress. The Stop Campus Hazing Act, introduced by Cassidy and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, seeks to enhance the reporting and prevention of hazing incidents in higher education institutions.
The initiative was inspired by the death of Max Gruver, a Louisiana State University student who lost his life during a fraternity event in 2017. Following this tragedy, the Gruver family established the Max Gruver Foundation to combat hazing.
“Every student should feel safe on their college campus,” stated Dr. Cassidy. “By increasing transparency, the Stop Campus Hazing Act ensures that hazing is never ignored. Proud to see this legislation pass Congress and look forward to it becoming law.”
Senator Klobuchar emphasized parental expectations for safety in educational environments: “When parents send their kids away to college, they expect they will get a good education and make new friends. They don’t expect them to be harassed and hazed.” She expressed commitment to ending such dangerous practices.
U.S. Representative Jeff Duncan highlighted the bill’s significance: “With the Stop Campus Hazing Act passing in the Senate, we’re one step closer to saving lives like Tucker Hipps and other students tragically killed in suspected incidents of campus hazing.”
Representative Lucy McBath shared personal reflections on loss due to violence: “I know what it’s like to lose a loved one to violence—no parent should ever have to bury their child.” She noted that this legislation provides essential information for students and families making decisions about educational institutions.
The bill mandates improvements in reporting by requiring colleges to include hazing incidents in their Annual Security Report. It also calls for research-based prevention programs across campuses and requires colleges to disclose their hazing policies online along with any violations by organizations.
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