Expansion of “Hazing” Offenses (S 2678)

We opposed legislation which would provide that any “person in charge” of student organizations who permits hazing activities or “negligently fails to take reasonable measures” to prevent hazing” could face a potential year-long prison sentence. We expressed concerns that the bill’s language was overbroad and that holding student leaders, who may be teenagers, to the same standards and punitive consequences as professionals who encourage hazing is disproportionately damaging and unfair. This bill died in committee.