FINAL BILL REPORT
SSB 5075
C 514 L 93
SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED
Brief Description: Prohibiting hazing at institutions of higher education.
SPONSORS: Senate Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators Winsley, Fraser and Erwin)
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION
BACKGROUND:
Hazing has been viewed as a serious social problem affecting institutions of higher education. This view is particularly strong at institutions with fraternity and sorority living groups, which sometimes have prescribed initiation rituals required for acceptance into the organization.
Hazing is illegal at institutions of higher education in 28 states. Although some of this state's four-year institutions have adopted internal anti-hazing policies, there is no statute specifically addressing the issue of hazing and prescribing penalties.
SUMMARY:
Hazing is defined as a method of initiation into a student organization or living group that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or serious mental or emotional harm, to any student or other person attending a public or private institution of higher education. Customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions are excluded from the definition.
No student or other person in attendance at any public or private institution of higher education may engage, or conspire to engage in hazing. Violating the provisions against hazing is a misdemeanor.
Any student who participates in hazing forfeits any entitlement to state funded grants, scholarships and awards. Any organization or living group that knowingly permits hazing to be conducted by those subject to its control will be deprived of any sanction, official recognition, or approval granted by a public institution of higher education. Institutions of higher education are directed to draft rules for offenses not covered by the act.
VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:
Senate 47 2
House 98 0 (House amended)
Senate 38 2 (Senate concurred)
EFFECTIVE:July 25, 1993