7 Hazing Tragedies That Spurred Harsher Anti-Hazing Laws in 9 States

Collin Wiant – Ohio

Collin’s Law, also known as Ohio’s Anti-Hazing Law, was signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine on July 6, 2021.

Collin Wiant, 18, was found dead on Nov. 12, 2018, at an off-campus residence that served as an unofficial annex for the Sigma Pi fraternity. A toxicology report showed Wiant died of asphyxiation after ingesting nitrous oxide provided to and forced on him by fraternity members during pledging.

Changes under Collin’s Law include but are not limited to:

• Expands the definition of hazing and specifies that hazing may include “coercing another to consume alcohol or a drug of abuse”
• Increases the penalty for hazing to a 2nd-degree misdemeanor
• Expands the list of officials required to report hazing
• Widens the scope of those who can be punished for participating in or permitting hazing
• Requires that those aware of hazing report it to authorities, with penalties up to a 1st degree misdemeanor for failing to do so
• Requires the Ohio Department of Higher Education to implement a statewide anti-hazing plan
• Requires staff and volunteers at colleges and universities to undergo training on hazing awareness and prevention

Read more about the legislation here.

(Photo credit: jzehnder, Adobe Stock)