FL close to passing "toughest" hazing law

[hoosier]

(I believe this is overkill. Putting a felony conviction and five years as punishment will lead the judges and prosecutors to reduce the charges to something decent. Sure, if a pledge dies there should be punishment, but it's an unusual case where one person can be found personally responsible - it's usually a group of hazers.)



Florida Considering Nation's Toughest Hazing Law
04.29.2005 5:34 PM EDT
Act would deem hazing a felony, punishable by up to five years in jail.

Florida Congressman Adam Hasner (file)

Pretty soon, a punch in the shoulder could cost more than a slap on the wrist.
Florida state lawmakers are trying to enact a bill that would criminalize hazing on high school and college campuses and potentially put convicted students behind
bars.
If passed, the Chad Meredith Act would deem hazing a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in jail if the victim is seriously injured or killed. A lesser punishment would include a year of jail time and a $5,000 fine. The bill is named after an 18-year-old University of Miami freshman who died trying to swim across a lake with two fraternity members in November 2001.
The act defines hazing as "any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the physical health or safety of a student." That includes pressuring or coercing the student into violating state or federal law or engaging them in any forced physical activity that could endanger their health or safety. The bill also condemns brutality of any kind, such as whipping, beating, branding and forced consumption of food, liquor, drugs or other substances. However, it does not include customary athletic events or similar competitions or activities that "further a legal and legitimate objective."
Representative Adam Hasner, a Delray Beach Republican who is sponsoring the bill, says the issue of hazing on campuses has become an epidemic and measures must be taken to protect the safety of students. "We need to protect our children from these types of injuries that are taking place because of senseless acts of hazing," he said.
Hasner said he'll work with universities throughout the state to implement a hazing-education program that will make students aware of the new law if it is passed and signed by Florida Governor Jeb Bush. The bill has already passed in the state House of Representatives and is scheduled for a floor vote in the Senate early next week. If passed there, it will land on Bush's desk.
Florida's law would be the nation's toughest hazing measure to date. "We're hopeful these tougher penalties will deter this type of behavior in the future," said Hasner.
He noted that hazing is becoming as big a problem in high schools as it is in universities. In Deltona, a 15-year-old female soccer player was dumped onto her head as part of a hazing incident. "This just goes one step further in ensuring that students who want to join social organizations have protections under these types of senseless acts that are taking place and putting students in physical jeopardy.
"I hope other states will join us in criminalizing hazing. These types of activities are unconscionable, and we need to make sure we punish perpetrators of these types of acts," Hasner said.
Hasner, a former Phi Delta Theta member and chapter advisor at Florida State University, said he advocates fraternities. "I'm a strong proponent of the legitimate goals and objectives of fraternities, but I believe that team building and brotherhood can be achieved in a much more positive and constructive manner," he said.
"No kid should have to risk life or limb to join any social organization, and we hope by toughening Florida's laws we will prevent some senseless injuries and senseless deaths that have taken kids way before their time."

— Brandee J. Tecson