President Joe Biden signed the Stop Campus Hazing Act into law in December. Colleges will add hazing statistics to public annual reports starting in fall 2026.
(Courtesy of PBS)
Colleges and universities must collect and publicly disclose hazing incidents under a new federal anti-hazing law.
The Stop Campus Hazing Act is a bipartisan effort that requires colleges to include hazing in annual crime and safety reports. Additionally, colleges must distribute comprehensive hazing prevention and awareness programs. It’s the first federal anti-hazing law, though states typically have their own.
Starting this month, colleges are required to begin collecting hazing statistics, according to the Clery Center. By fall 2026, annual public reports will include hazing incidents.
“The Stop Campus Hazing Act will bring transparency to make a lasting cultural change in student organizations and on university campuses,” said Judson Horras, president of the North American Interfraternity Conference.
The National Panhellenic Association thanked Biden for signing the act and legislators who pushed it forward saying the required transparency could prevent future hazing incidents.
“We are also grateful for the collegiate and alumnae members of our organizations who put thousands of hours into advocating for the advancement of this bill,” said Dani Weatherford, National Panhellenic Association Chief Executive Officer.
Indiana law classifies hazing as a misdemeanor, with up to a $1,000 fine and 180 days in jail. Penalties could be worse if vehicles or firearms are included in the act. But some people might avoid penalties if they report hazing and work in good faith with judicial proceedings.
Similar to the Stop Campus Hazing Act, Indiana colleges are required to release public reports on hazing. College must include the name of the organization, when the hazing took place and when an investigation began and ended. The report should also include a description of the incident and the investigation.
Despite state, university and student group policies against hazing, the issue persists on Indiana college campuses.
For example, at Purdue University, 10 student organizations have been cited for hazing in the last two years. All forms of hazing are prohibited at the university.
At Indiana University, 14 student organizations are on disciplinary status this year for hazing. IU has ananti-hazing policy, and the university’s Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life plans to grow its existing anti-hazing outreach.
Aubrey is our higher education reporter and a Report For America corps member. Contact her at aubmwrig@iu.edu or follow her on X @aubreymwright.
