Michigan anti-hazing law passed

[AGDee]

Michigan has become the 44th state to make hazing illegal.

Penalties include: One year in jail for injuring someone and up to 15 years for a death.

It goes into effect 8/20/04.

Yay!

Dee

[Tom Earp]

What is sad, is that laws have to be enacted for Hazing!

[Kevin]

I really question the usefullness of such laws -- if you're hazing, you're probably breaking a number of other laws such as assault. 18-20 year old kids do not give a damn if it's legal or not. Without some serious education on the part of our respective HQ's, I really question the need for such a law.

[AGDee]

The law isn't just for fraternities and sororities. One of the big trends that led to the law was the increase in high school hazing, sports team hazing and band hazing. I think it heightens awareness to members of all types of organizations.

Dee

[Tom Earp]

ktsnake, so true.

What most people do not seem to realize is that enactment of a law can and will be another serious enfringement of our rights as individuals.

But because of sillyiness or stupidity that is why it is happening.

Most if not All Greek Organizations have Rules and Regulations in place, so what we do not need is more people with a thumb in the pie.

But by the Grace of such stupidity and sillyness it is happening!

Give the Locals more power over Greeks.

[john1082]

Laws are passed in response to real or percieved wishes of voters. There was a well publicized hazing incident in the midwest last spring and the Michigan law is a direct response to that. It provides a tailored set of criteria to charge somebody with; rather than trying to twist the statute on assault into something to address hazing, now there is a specific statute that can be used.

Individual organizations may have policies, but this law criminalizes the undesireable conduct. It may an additional tool for school administrations to use in combatting hazing. And that is a good thing. Hazing shouldn't happen, but it does. Charges are rare, but can be filed. As a practical matter, the law will likely only be used in egregious cases, and that is good too.