New Federal Anti-Hazing Law Increases Accountability on College Campuses

On January 9, 2025, the Stop Campus Hazing Act was signed into law, introducing the first federal mandate aimed at curbing hazing across college campuses nationwide. This law requires colleges and universities to collect and publicly report hazing statistics, providing much-needed transparency for students, families, and advocacy groups.

Under the new requirements, institutions must integrate hazing data into their existing annual campus crime reports, addressing a long-standing gap in federal regulations. Despite the violent and sometimes fatal consequences of hazing, schools were not previously required to disclose how often these incidents occurred—particularly within organizations such as fraternities and sororities.

The law also mandates schools to implement comprehensive hazing prevention programs and identify student groups that violate anti-hazing rules. These measures aim to prevent tragedies and hold higher education accountable for the health and safety of their students.

Florida’s Anti-Hazing Law: The Chad Meredith Act and Andrew's Law

Florida has long recognized the dangers of hazing through the Chad Meredith Act, enacted in 2005. Named after a University of Miami student who tragically drowned during a fraternity hazing incident, the law creates specific criminal penalties for hazing at both the high school and college levels.

Under the Chad Meredith Act, hazing that creates a substantial risk of physical injury or death is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor. If the hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, the charge escalates to a third-degree felony. Importantly, the law defines hazing broadly, covering actions that endanger a student’s mental or physical health, including forced consumption of substances, sleep deprivation, and activities causing extreme embarrassment.

The act also makes it clear that consent from the victim, or the lack of official approval by the organization, is not a defense to hazing charges.

In 2019, Andrew’s Law (SB 1080) strengthened the Chad Meredith Act in memory of Andrew Coffey, a Florida State University student who died during a hazing incident. This law introduced several critical updates to Florida’s anti-hazing statute:

• 911 Good Samaritan Provision: It provides immunity under the hazing statute to the first person who calls 911 or administers aid to a hazing victim, provided they cooperate with law enforcement.
• Accountability for Event Organizers: It allows for the prosecution of event coordinators where hazing causes injury, even if the coordinators were not present during the hazing.
• Expanded Prosecution: It permits prosecution for hazing that results in permanent physical damage.

Civil Remedies for Hazing Victims

In addition to criminal penalties, families impacted by hazing may pursue civil lawsuits against individuals, organizations, and institutions responsible for hazing incidents. Civil actions can seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, wrongful death, and other damages resulting from hazing. These lawsuits often highlight negligence by the organizations or schools in failing to prevent hazing or enforce anti-hazing policies. Civil claims not only provide financial relief to victims and their families but also help drive accountability and cultural change within institutions and student organizations.

Advocacy and Legal Support

As an attorney representing families impacted by hazing, I commend these legal advancements. Both the Stop Campus Hazing Act and the Chad Meredith Act emphasize the importance of accountability and prevention. If your family has been affected by hazing, whether in Florida or elsewhere, you have legal options. we are here to help you seek justice and hold those responsible accountable.

President Joe Biden on Tuesday enacted the first federal anti-hazing law, marking the end of a yearslong push by victims' families for more transparency and accountability on college campuses.  The Stop Campus Hazing Act, which passed the House of Representatives in September and the Senate this month, requires universities to start collecting hazing statistics to include in regular public reports.

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