Collin's Law Signed In Ohio: 7 Ways The Bill Fights Hazing

Cleveland OH

07 July, 2021

8:49 AM

Description

COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio's anti-hazing legislation, Collin's Law, was signed Tuesday by Gov. Mike DeWine. Named for Collin Wiant, who died in a fraternity hazing incident while attending Ohio University, the bill will implement a number of changes intended to end hazing at colleges and change cultures that allowed hazing to persist. "Simply put - we cannot tolerate hazing," DeWine said before signing the bill. "I believe Collin's Law will help change the culture surrounding hazing and save lives." Here are the major changes Collin's Law will affect in Ohio: Increase the penalty for hazing to 2nd degree misdemeanorExpand the definition of hazing to include forcing another person to drink alcohol or use a drugExpand the list of officials required to report hazingRequire the Ohio Department of Education to implement a statewide anti-hazing planRequires anti-hazing training for staff and volunteers at college and universities Widens the scope of who can be punished for participating in or allowing hazingAnyone who fails to report hazing could face a 1st degree misdemeanor charge The law will go into effect in 90 days. Support for Collin's Law grew after another college student, Stone Foltz, a Bowling Green State University student, died after a hazing incident. Both Wiant's parents and Foltz's parents joined DeWine for the signing of the legislation on Tuesday.