The House Education Committee revised a bill to prevent hazing, initially requiring a semester-long course for students joining campus groups. Due to cost concerns, it was replaced with a two-hour annual training. The bill was proposed by New Orleans Democrat Delisha Boyd after Southern University student Caleb Wilson’s hazing-related death.
“I want to empower the children to know what they have to deal with and what they don’t have to deal with,” Boyd said.
University officials estimated millions in expenses to implement the course. Some legislators suggested delaying major changes until a new anti-hazing task force reports in 2026. Vacherie Democrat Ken Brass amended the bill to update current law, doubling required training time and adding penalties for non-compliant student groups.
“You have in your initiative, initiated across this great state of Louisiana, across these universities, that we’ll be educating our students. We are educating our teachers, our band directors, through that process. We typically would have to go before appropriation to get money allocated,” Brass said.
Boyd, though disappointed, called the change a starting point. She emphasized educating students on hazing’s legal consequences, as many remain unaware it’s a felony.
“My bill is simply about protecting our kids. I think everybody in here knows that I’m passionate about our children across our state,” Boyd said.
The bill heads to House Appropriations for debate.
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