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Actually, I think this is a good bill. Here is where hazing is defined,
SB 1454- Section 4- (b),
"'Hazing' means any method of initiation or preinitiation into a student organization or student body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, which is likely to cause, serious bodily injury to any pupil or other person attending former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university, or other educational institution in this state." [emphasis added]
This is not restricting any reasonable activities required of associate members or pledges in their pre-initiation days. This addresses the serious stuff we should all be eradicating in Greek houses.
And it does not create any added legal liability for nationals or housing corporations as can be seen below from another portion of the bill,
SB 1454- Section 4- (d),(e),
" (d) Any person who personally engages in hazing that results in
death or serious bodily injury as defined in paragraph (4) of
subdivision (f) of Section 243 of the Penal Code, is guilty of either
a misdemeanor or a felony, and shall be punished by imprisonment in
county jail not exceeding one year, or by imprisonment in the state
prison.
(e) The person against whom the hazing is directed may commence a
civil action for injury or damages. The action may be brought against
any participants in the hazing, or any organization to which the
student is seeking membership whose agents, directors, trustees,
managers, or officers authorized, requested, commanded, participated
in, or ratified the hazing." [emphasis added]
I don't know of any housing corp or HQ that authorizes, requests, commands, participates in or ratifies hazing as defined by this law.
Just my take. I think this is good legislation and solid organizations who make guys earn their letters in a responsible way have nothing to fear.
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