Anti-hazing bill shaped by Penn State, Tim Piazza’s parents passes Congress, heads to Biden
An anti-hazing bill shaped partly by the death of a Penn State student made its way through Congress and is headed to President Joe Biden, who is expected to sign it into law before leaving office.
Known as the Stop Campus Hazing Act, the legislation seeks to increase transparency by requiring higher education institutions disclose every hazing incident on campus. The bill would also broaden the definition of hazing.
Jim Piazza, father of the late Timothy J. Piazza, told the Centre Daily Times his family is both “thrilled and appreciative” the bill made its way through Congress and is on its way to Biden’s desk.
“We, along with other families in the anti-hazing coalition, which we helped form, have been working on this bill and its predecessor (The End All Hazing Act) for the past seven years,” Piazza wrote in an email. “Many thanks to the congressional leaders who supported us and to everyone responsible for making this happen.”
The Senate passed the bill Wednesday and the U.S. House of Representatives passed it in September. USA Today reported Biden is expected to sign it before leaving office.
Hazing Prevention Network Executive Director Todd Shelton said in a statement that the bill would allow students and parents to make “educated decisions when choosing to join a group.”
The advancement comes seven years after the death of Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge who who was knocked unconscious after falling down basement stairs of the now-shuttered Beta Theta Pi fraternity.
The frat was supposed to be alcohol-free because of a previous suspension, and numerous frat brothers either discouraged anyone calling for help or took counterproductive measures after finding Piazza. He died a day later.
His parents, including his mom Evelyn, have become anti-hazing advocates who speak nationwide. They have also advocated for change at Penn State.
As part of its response, the university established the Timothy J. Piazza Center for Fraternity and Sorority Research and Reform, which U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Howard, credited for helping shape the act.