Virginia’s Anti-Hazing Efforts Helped Shape National Legislation Signed by Biden

Virginia’s leadership in combating hazing on college campuses played a pivotal role in shaping national reforms after President Joe Biden signed the Stop Campus Hazing Act into law in his final days in office.

(From left to right) Eric Oakes, Linda Oakes, and Courtney White stand outside of the University Commons at Virginia Commonwealth University after co-hosting the Virginia Hazing Prevention Summit on June 4, 2024. (Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury)

The legislation aims to enhance student safety by requiring colleges and universities to report hazing incidents under the Clery Act and standardizes definitions for tracking hazing statistics across the country. The new law also mandates comprehensive hazing prevention programs for faculty and students, focusing on education and fostering a culture of respect to prevent hazing before it happens.

Va.’s first anti-hazing summit held at VCU, hosted by family of freshman who died after frat party

Virginia set the stage for such measures in 2022 with the passage of “Adam’s Law,” named in honor of 19-year-old Adam Oakes, a teenager from Loudoun County who died in 2021 during a fraternity pledge event at Virginia Commonwealth University. Carried by Sen. Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax, and former Del. Kathleen Murphy, D-Fairfax, the law requires hazing preventing training at Virginia colleges and universities.

Eric Oakes, Adam Oakes’ father and director of the Love Like Adam Foundation, said in a statement Tuesday that the foundation’s mission is to continue to strive for change to make high schools and colleges safer for students.

“For current and future students, the [Stop Campus Hazing Act] promises a safer, more inclusive environment where harmful traditions are replaced with positive, healthy bonding practices,” Oakes said. “Though challenges may arise, the potential benefits — ranging from legal protections to cultural shifts — could have a profound and lasting impact on campus life for years to come.”

The national Delta Chi fraternity recently agreed to a $4 million settlement with the Oakes family, WRIC reported. Boysko praised the Oakes family’s advocacy on social media after Biden signed the Act on Christmas Day.

Virginia’s “Adam’s Law” established strict requirements for hazing prevention and mandates that an advisor must be present at all official events for new and prospective members of fraternities and sororities and undergo hazing prevention training.

Additionally, the law requires that new and current members also receive in-person education on hazing, including its dangers, the role of alcohol intoxication, hazing laws and school policies. Institutions must also make it clear that their disciplinary process does not replace or prevent potential criminal prosecution.

The General Assembly also approved legislation to expand anti-hazing education into Virginia high schools, aiming to address the issue before students reach college campuses.

“The Love Like Adam Foundation has taken a tragedy and made real change with it,” wrote Del. Atoosa Reaser, D-Loudoun, who sponsored the legislation along with Boysko.

According to the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce, hazing remains a “persistent problem” at colleges and universities nationwide. A study by Franklin College in Indiana revealed that 55% of college students involved in clubs, teams, and organizations have experienced hazing.

The same report highlighted a lack of exposure to hazing prevention programs, underscoring the need for early education initiatives like those now required in Virginia schools.

Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Norfolk, a ranking member on the Education and Workforce Committee, said that since the year 2000, there have been more than 100 hazing-related deaths on college campuses nationwide.

“Fortunately, the Stop Campus Hazing Act aims to prevent students from dangerous hazing on college campuses,” Scott said in a statement. “By improving reporting and mandating prevention programs, this bill is a bipartisan measure to protect the health and safety of students while ensuring that students and their parents can make informed decisions when joining campus organizations.”

by Nathaniel Cline, Virginia Mercury

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