Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA), Representative Jeff Duncan (R-SC), and Representative Lucy McBath (D-GA) issued the following statements after the House passed H.R. 5646, the bipartisan Stop Campus Hazing Act, which combats hazing on college campuses and protects students across the nation:

“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.”
 
“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.”

“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.”

 
“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.”
 
Background

The bipartisan Stop Campus Hazing Act:

• Combats Hazing and Protects Students: This bill requires that universities report hazing incidents under the Clery Act and creates a clear and consistent definition for hazing statistics across all postsecondary institutions.
• Educates and Prevents: The bill requires institutions to provide comprehensive hazing prevention programs for faculty and students to avoid hazing before it occurs and cultivate a culture of respect on campus.
• Leaves Room for Flexibility: The new reporting and educational requirements for institutions are balanced by respect for existing anti-hazing processes at the institution and state levels.

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