Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 132U-126-005 Statement of jurisdiction, 132U-126-010 Definitions, 132U-126-030 Prohibited student conduct, and 132U-126-040 Sanctions.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Whatcom Community College is required by HB [2SHB] 1751 to comply with a new definition of hazing and make revisions to the student code of conduct. HB [2SHB] 1751 was passed in June 2022 and requires college campuses to comply with changes during the 2022-23 academic year. HB [2SHB] 1751 provides substantial changes to the state definition of hazing, statement of jurisdiction, definitions, prohibited student conduct, and sanctions. These changes require updates to our current student rights and responsibilities to meet the guidelines presented in HB [2SHB] 1751.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The Washington state legislature. Whatcom Community College is following guidelines presented in HB [2SHB] 1751 to make necessary updates to the policies and procedures that include information about hazing. These changes include sanctions, definitions, and trainings.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Lexus Criswell, 237 West Kellogg Road, Laidlaw 208, Bellingham, WA 98226, phone 360-383-3077, email lcriswell@whatcom.edu.