When kids go off to college (particularly young men), parents often warn them about the dangers of becoming the victim of hazing. That’s particularly true if they want to be part of a fraternity, sports team or even an exclusive club. Hazing incidents have led to permanent disability and death – often tied to alcohol poisoning and/or serious injuries suffered by someone who has consumed a large amount of alcohol.
It’s also wise to warn your college student about the risks they’re taking by being on the other side of a hazing incident. Colleges and universities have been increasing the consequences for those involved in hazing incidents – particularly those that result in injury or worse.
Moreover, some states (including Georgia) have anti-hazing laws that can leave college students with a criminal record if they’re convicted of participating in hazing. Let’s take a brief look at Georgia’s anti-hazing law.
Georgia’s anti-hazing law
Georgia law defines hazing as “an activity which endangers or is likely to endanger the physical health of a student, or coerces the student…to consume any food, liquid, alcohol, drug, or other substance….through the use of social or physical pressure….that will likely cause them to become intoxicated, pass out and/or throw up….regardless of a student’s willingness to participate in such activity.” The law is named for a college student from Georgia who died from alcohol poisoning during a fraternity hazing.
The hazing offense itself is a “misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature” that can result in as long as a year behind bars. However, if the hazing victim is injured or killed, those involved can face more serious charges in addition to charges related to drugs and underage alcohol possession and consumption.
Hazing events can be chaotic and crowded – with some people more involved than others. There are often cellphone videos of the event and security footage of what was going on in the fraternity house or other location before, during and after. This can help law enforcement determine who was directly involved and who was standing around watching.
Nonetheless, it’s critical for parents to take the matter seriously – and make sure their child also does – if they are charged with any hazing-related offense. It can derail their college education and saddle them with a criminal record that can affect their ability to get a job. It could also potentially lead to time behind bars. That’s why it’s crucial to get experienced legal guidance as early as possible.