Dangerous hazing could become a felony in SC if bill passes
After a series of high-profile hazing deaths at colleges across the nation made headlines in 2019, South Carolina lawmakers are considering tightening up the state’s laws against the practice.
A panel of legislators discussed a new bill Wednesday that would strengthen the penalties for hazing, making it a misdemeanor to haze and a felony if the person is seriously injured.
Under current law, hazing is a misdemeanor, and perpetrators or those who fail to report hazing could face up to 12 months in prison and a $500 fine.
The new bill provides instances in which people who participate in hazing could face felony penalties. If a person is seriously injured during a hazing incident, the perpetrator could be sentenced to up to five years in prison and given an up to $2,500 fine.
If a person is seriously injured or killed and excessive drinking is involved, those convicted of hazing could face up to 15 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
The bill still provides a lesser charge for hazing, a misdemeanor that could come with up to a $1,000 fine and six months in prison.
Cindy Hipps, the mother of a Clemson student who died in an alleged hazing incident in 2014, told lawmakers the bill could help change the culture in Greek organizations.
“I, personally, don’t want to see a bunch of boys go to jail, but as it stands, I don’t see the culture changing,” Hipps said. “The strength of it will make a difference on how they act in college.”
Hipps said South Carolina’s current laws against hazing are not strong enough, adding the bill would act as a deterrent for hazing.
“Losing Tucker has been the most devastating thing that’s happened to our family, our friends and our community,” Hipps said of her son, who died after falling from a bridge during a fraternity pledge run.
Last year, six students’ deaths across the country were connected to hazing, according to a database kept by Franklin College journalism professor Hank Nuwer. None of those deaths took place at South Carolina colleges.
S.C. Rep. Gary Clary, the bill’s sponsor, said he developed a “strong opinion” on hazing after speaking to Hipps about her son’s death.
“When you look at our hazing law in South Carolina, its very incomplete,” Clary said.
Jarod Holt, the director of fraternity and sorority life at the University of South Carolina, said he was also in favor of the bill passing but asked lawmakers to work with law enforcement to make sure the legislation is enforceable.
”If someone is engaged in hazing, they deserve to be charged,” Holt said. “They deserve to go to jail.”
Giving amnesty to Greek life members who report hazing or call for help if a student is seriously injured would improve the legislation, Holt said. Additionally, he asked lawmakers to add a requirement that universities educate students on the consequences of hazing.
Currently, USC makes students take an online hazing course and sends information about hazing to parents after their children join fraternities or sororities.
“We take this topic extremely seriously,” Holt said. “This is a culture we have to change.”
S.C. Rep. Cezar McKnight, D-Williamsburg, voiced support for the bill, but said he believed misdemeanor hazing convictions should disappear from students’ records after a few years.
“Indiscretions in your youth, I don’t necessarily think should follow you and penalize you for the rest of your life,” McKnight said, noting he did not want “to make light” of the serious issue.
Lawmakers agreed Wednesday to consider some of the suggested changes before sending the bill to the full House Judiciary Committee.
