In Wake of FAMU Tragedy, Frederica Wilson to Draft Federal Anti-Hazing Bill

Photo by C. Stiles

​About a month after the hazing-linked death of FAMU band member Robert Champion, Miami-area U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson has announced plans to introduce a bill that would clamp down on hazing on a federal level.

"Hazing is demeaning, dangerous, and, sadly, deadly," said Rep. Wilson in a release. "It's time that we put an end to this horrible and humiliating ritual once and for all, so that no more students suffer the way that Robert and others have."

Several states, including Florida, already have laws that target hazing activity. In Florida, anyone who participates in hazing can be charged with a third-degree felony.

The details of Wilson's bill have yet to be worked out, but the Democrat says she is in discussions with several members of historically black colleges, including everyone from college presidents to band members, to craft the proposed bill.

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