Bill to End Dangerous Hazing On Ohio's College Campuses Signed Into Law
July 6, 2021
Stephanie Kunze News
COLUMBUS—State Senators Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard) and Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green) today joined Governor DeWine for the signing of Senate Bill 126, their bill to prevent dangerous hazing incidents at colleges and universities across Ohio.
The legislation is in honor of Collin Wiant, of Franklin County, who lost his life to hazing in 2018 at Ohio University, and Stone Foltz, of Delaware County, who lost his life in March as a result of hazing at Bowling Green State University.
“I recognize and mourn the incredible loss that brought us to this point and I continue to be amazed by the strength the entire Wiant and Foltz family has shown as we fought for this legislation,” said Kunze. “Because of their passion and commitment, we are not only changing Ohio law, we are changing campus culture. With Governor DeWine’s signature, Collin’s Law will save lives from the horrific consequences of hazing.” The bill, introduced as "Collin's Law" last General Assembly, increases penalties for those who participate in hazing and for those who have knowledge of hazing and do not report it to law enforcement. “College is supposed to be a place where students have a safe environment to learn, grow, and become leaders in their community,” said Gavarone. “Unfortunately, hazing and dangerous campus activities have caused death and heartbreak for many families. No other parents should have to feel that kind of pain, which is why I was proud to stand with Stone’s family and Collin's family today, to watch the governor sign my legislation to help put an end to dangerous campus culture in Ohio.” Senate Bill 126 requires the Ohio Chancellor of Higher Education to develop a statewide educational plan for preventing hazing at institutions of higher education. The institutions are also required to provide anti-hazing training to students and faculty. Additionally, the bill increases transparency and paints a clear picture of prior hazing offenses for parents, as their children are choosing an organization to join. Institutions of higher education would be required to maintain a record of all reported hazing violations and post the report on a publicly accessible website. To learn more about Senate Bill 126, click here.
“I recognize and mourn the incredible loss that brought us to this point and I continue to be amazed by the strength the entire Wiant and Foltz family has shown as we fought for this legislation,” said Kunze. “Because of their passion and commitment, we are not only changing Ohio law, we are changing campus culture. With Governor DeWine’s signature, Collin’s Law will save lives from the horrific consequences of hazing.” The bill, introduced as "Collin's Law" last General Assembly, increases penalties for those who participate in hazing and for those who have knowledge of hazing and do not report it to law enforcement. “College is supposed to be a place where students have a safe environment to learn, grow, and become leaders in their community,” said Gavarone. “Unfortunately, hazing and dangerous campus activities have caused death and heartbreak for many families. No other parents should have to feel that kind of pain, which is why I was proud to stand with Stone’s family and Collin's family today, to watch the governor sign my legislation to help put an end to dangerous campus culture in Ohio.” Senate Bill 126 requires the Ohio Chancellor of Higher Education to develop a statewide educational plan for preventing hazing at institutions of higher education. The institutions are also required to provide anti-hazing training to students and faculty. Additionally, the bill increases transparency and paints a clear picture of prior hazing offenses for parents, as their children are choosing an organization to join. Institutions of higher education would be required to maintain a record of all reported hazing violations and post the report on a publicly accessible website. To learn more about Senate Bill 126, click here.