As members of the Greek community, we are committed to being part of the solution and ending hazing in all forms. This commitment includes advocating for legislation on the state and federal level as well as supporting the Anti-Hazing Coalition’s mission. Students and alumni spoke to congressional offices in April during the Fraternal Government Relations Coalition (FGRC) Hill Day about hazing prevention legislation that is in the process of being introduced for this Congress.

The Stop Campus Hazing Act puts accountability mechanisms in place for universities and requires increased education for members. Colleges and universities would be required to publish a webpage where hazing or organizational conduct violations must be publicly reported after the completion of the university’s accountability investigation.

Increased transparency is a key step in allowing prospective members and families make informed decisions about campus involvement. The mandated webpages would not only hold fraternities and sororities accountable, but also other student organizations found in violation of university anti-hazing policies. Collectively, combatting hazing requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach.

The North American Interfraternity Conference and the National Panhellenic Conference, which are members of FGRC, collaborated with parents who lost children to hazing to create the Anti-Hazing Coalition. The parents who work with the Anti-Hazing Coalition include Rich and Maille Braham, parents of Marquise Braham; Sylvia and Shawn Cumberland, parents of Nicky Cumberland; Deb Debrick, mother of Dalton Debrick; Stephen and Rae Ann Gruver, parents of Max Gruver; Lianne and Brian Kowiak, parents of Harrison Kowiak; and Jim and Evelyn Piazza, parents of Tim Piazza. The Anti-Hazing Coalition, FGRC and FSPAC collectively advocate for anti-hazing legislation as a main legislative priority that affects the Greek community.

“Hazing is something no one should have to experience. This is a priority that saves lives,” said Madison Bookheimer, an Alpha Delta Pi at Shorter University. “It was amazing to be able to advocate on Capitol Hill for the prevention of hazing.” Congressional staff were able to hear directly from students themselves about the importance of addressing hazing on a federal level. In addition to the Stop Campus Hazing Act, FSPAC and the Anti-Hazing Coalition are committed to addressing hazing in state legislatures across the country.