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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Senate Passes Stop Campus Hazing Act, Landmark Legislation to Combat Hazing on College Campuses

[Washington, DC, December 11, 2024] Today, the United States Senate passed the Stop Campus Hazing Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at preventing hazing on college campuses nationwide. The bill, which previously passed the House of Representatives, will now go to the President's desk to be signed into law.

The Stop Campus Hazing Act requires colleges and universities to implement comprehensive hazing prevention programs and to publicly report hazing incidents in their Annual Security Reports (Clery Reports). The bill increases transparency for students and parents by requiring institutions to disclose their hazing prevention policies and any organizations found in violation of these policies.

“We set out to make sure what happened to our son never happened again. No parent should have to bury their child, yet our son, Gary Jr., died of acute alcohol poisoning because of a fraternity hazing ritual at Rider University in 2007. Since then we have been urging Congress to pass legislation to curb hazing on college campuses, and the day has finally come,” said Julie and Gary DeVercelly. "This bill will save lives and make a real difference in the fight against hazing."

"The Stop Campus Hazing Act is a major victory for student safety. Every student deserves to feel safe at school, and families have the right to know the scope of hazing on college campuses. You can’t address a problem without first recognizing it, and this Act will increase transparency and raise awareness. Its passage is a testament to the tireless advocacy of hazing survivors, families, and organizations nationwide, as well as the dedication of its lead sponsors: Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN), Senator Bill Cassidy (LA), Representative Lucy McBath (GA), and Representative Jeff Duncan (SC)," said Jessica Mertz, Executive Director of the Clery Center. 

This research-backed hazing prevention legislation will shift societal norms and structures that contribute to hazing, provide the public with more reliable information about hazing incidents, and support colleges and universities in preventing hazing,” said Dr. Elizabeth J. Allan, Professor of Higher Education at the University of Maine and Principal at StopHazing. “It will also empower students to make informed decisions about their involvement in campus organizations. Clery statistics and transparency reports, like those available at HazingInfo.org, will help students and families make more informed decisions.”

The Stop Campus Hazing Act is a significant step forward in the effort to end hazing on college campuses. By increasing transparency, accountability, and prevention, the legislation will help to create a safer and more welcoming environment for all students.

About Clery Center 

Clery Center is a national nonprofit dedicated to helping college and university officials meet the standards of the Jeanne Clery Act. By equipping professionals with the training and resources they need to understand compliance requirements, we strive to make campus safety a universal reality. More at clerycenter.org.

About Stop Hazing 

​​StopHazing’s mission is to promote safe and inclusive school, campus, and organizational environments through research, resource sharing, and the development of data-driven strategies for hazing prevention and the promotion of positive and inclusive group climates. More at StopHazing.org