Us Congress House Bill HR717

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/21/23
• Refer: 9/21/23

Caption

Supporting the designation of the week of September 25 through September 29, 2023, as "National Hazing Awareness Week".

Impact

The resolution highlights the significant prevalence of hazing within college environments, with statistics revealing that over 55% of college students involved in extracurricular activities report experiencing hazing. By designating a specific week for awareness, the intent is to galvanize education efforts that include not only students but also campus staff, administrators, and alumni. This approach promotes a community-wide responsibility in addressing the issues surrounding hazing, aiming to develop a safer and more supportive climate in colleges and universities.

Summary

House Resolution 717 supports the designation of the week from September 25 to September 29, 2023, as 'National Hazing Awareness Week'. The resolution seeks to raise awareness and promote the understanding of hazing, which is defined as any intentional or reckless act that contributes to a substantial risk of physical injury, mental harm, or personal degradation among students in connection to organizational memberships, such as fraternities and sororities. This designation is aimed at fostering safer campus environments and encouraging proactive measures against hazing incidents.

Contention

One of the notable aspects of HR717 is the acknowledgment of past tragedies resulting from hazing, as it references numerous students who have suffered serious injuries or, in some cases, died due to hazing practices. This aspect of the resolution underscores the urgent need for renewed focus on hazing prevention as an ongoing commitment rather than a one-time event, which may lead to debates on the effectiveness of current policies and measures in place to combat hazing in educational institutions. The resolution seeks to initiate discussions surrounding legislative or institutional reforms that may further enhance student safety and well-being.