The Kentucky Senate voted 27 to seven Thursday in favor of legislation focusing on reducing hazing activities on college campuses. The measure raises what can be a fraternity organization’s rite of passage to criminal status. Robby Mills is the bill's sponsor. He said the measure lets students know violations of their safety will be addressed.
“We believe the elevation of hazing to a crime addresses head-on the seriousness of these actions. It lets students know that Kentucky values student safety,” said Mills.
The measure establishes a Class D felony of hazing. This would pertain to serious injury or death.
It also creates a lesser misdemeanor charge for hazing where individuals could lose eligibility for KEES scholarship money. Grayson Senator Robin Webb said that may be broadening the statute too far.
“Being caught up once again in a very broad interpretation of that provision and keep them from pursuing their education on a KEES like they could do if they were charged with another misdemeanor,” said Webb.
The anti-hazing bill is, in part, a response to the death of University of Kentucky student Lofton Hazelwood. The 18-year-old Henderson youth died in the fall of 2021 following the consumption of a large amount of alcohol in a short time.
The measure heads on to the Kentucky House.
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