Proposed anti-hazing bill honors a Southern University student killed in hazing ritual
A state legislator has introduced an anti-hazing bill named after a Southern University student who died in an off-campus hazing ritual.
New Orleans Democratic Representative Delisha Boyd filed House Bill 279, also known as the Caleb Wilson Act, on April 2, named in honor of the 20-year-old student who died February 27 after collapsing in a warehouse following a hazing ritual for Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
Charges have been filed against three men in connection with Wilson's death. Caleb McCrary, 23, one of the suspects, is facing a felony manslaughter charge in addition to criminal hazing resulting in serious injury or death.
Here's what you should know about the proposed bill.
The Caleb Wilson Act mandates that college students joining campus organizations complete a one-credit hour course focusing on hazing prevention.
The proposed legislation would apply to students who become members of on-campus organizations, defined in the legislation's text as fraternities, sororities, athletic team, spirit groups and clubs.
Under the proposed legislation, students would be mandated to complete a one-credit hour anti-hazing course within their initial semesters of membership. If the student is a minor, their parent or legal guardian would also receive the course materials.
Current state law already mandates hazing prevention education through student handbooks and organization-led training. However, this proposed legislation creates a standardized course requirement at Louisiana colleges and universities.
The law would go into effect Aug. 1 ahead of the 2025 fall semester.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Proposed Caleb Wilson Act to be considered in Legislature: What to know
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