During a recent government meeting, lawmakers discussed HR 5646, a significant bill aimed at amending the Higher Education Act of 1965 to enhance the reporting and prevention of hazing incidents at colleges and universities. The bill, known as the Stop Campus Hazing Act, seeks to require educational institutions to disclose hazing incidents in their annual security reports, thereby increasing transparency and accountability.

The meeting was marked by emotional testimonies, particularly from Jim and Evelyn Piazza, whose son, Tim, died in 2017 due to a hazing incident at Penn State University. Their advocacy has been instrumental in shaping anti-hazing legislation, and they were recognized for their efforts to honor their son's memory through the establishment of the Timothy J. Piazza Center for Fraternity and Sorority Research and Reform at Penn State.

Representative Glenn Thompson, who introduced the amendment, emphasized the bill's potential to create meaningful change in college culture, stating that hazing has become an unacceptable norm that must be eradicated. The legislation combines elements from two previous anti-hazing bills and includes provisions for defining hazing, respecting state laws, and ensuring that students and parents have access to information about hazing incidents.

Support for the bill was bipartisan, with various representatives acknowledging the need for a cultural shift regarding hazing on campuses. Representative McBath shared her personal connection to the issue, drawing parallels between her own loss and the pain experienced by families affected by hazing. She urged her colleagues to support the legislation, highlighting its importance in preventing future tragedies.

The bill also aims to implement research-informed programs to combat hazing, reflecting a growing recognition of the issue as a significant campus safety concern. As hazing incidents continue to be underreported and accepted in some circles, the Stop Campus Hazing Act represents a concerted effort by lawmakers to protect students and foster safer educational environments. The meeting concluded with a call for unity in supporting this critical legislation, which aims to save lives and provide peace of mind to families across the nation.