Anti-hazing bill approved by Nevada Assembly

SB297 makes hazing a misdemeanor if no substantial bodily harm occurred and a gross misdemeanor if harm did occur.

Hazing is defined as any method of initiation or affiliation with a student organization that intentionally or recklessly endangers the physical health of another person. The definition includes beating, exposure to the elements, branding and forced consumption of food, liquor or drugs.

Criminalizing hazing would encourage students who want to report abusive behavior to do so, supporters say. The threat of criminal sanctions also would force fraternities and sororities to more vigorously enforce anti-hazing rules already adopted by most organizations and college campuses.

But not all Assembly members are convinced the state needs to get involved in issues that should be left to high school, community college and university officials.

"It just went too far," said Assemblyman Tom Collins, D-North Las Vegas, who cast one of the three votes against SB297.

The Legislature needs "to let the universities deal with it," he added.

Assembly Education Chairman Wendell Williams, D-Las Vegas, also voted against the bill. "I'm afraid that it may penalize some Greek letter organizations that aren't deserving of it," he said.

Turning hazing into a crime will drive the practice underground and make it that much more difficult for school officials to track it down and deal with it, Williams added.

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