Supporting the designation of the week of September 25 through September 29, 2023, as "National Hazing Awareness Week".

Whereas hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with other persons, against a student regardless of the willingness of that student to participate, in connection with membership in an organization, and causes or is likely to contribute to a substantial risk above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical training necessary for participation on an athletic team), of physical injury, mental harm, or personal degradation;

Whereas 55 percent of college students involved in extracurricular clubs, athletic teams, and organizations reported experiencing hazing;

Whereas a hazing prevention policy is vital to help shape expectations for safe campus communities where healthy group behaviors, ethical leadership, and feelings of positive well-being and belonging are fostered;

Whereas it is recommended that hazing prevention education is broad and includes students, campus staff, administrators, faculty, alumni, and beyond;

Whereas hundreds of students have died as a result of collegiate hazing, including Kristin High on September 9, 2002, Kenitha Saafir on September 9, 2002, Clay Warren on September 21, in 2002, Lynn Gordon Gordie Bailey on September 17, 2004, Matthew Carrington on February 2, 2005, Gary Louis DeVercelly, Jr. on March 30, 2007, Brett Griffin on November 8, 2008, Harrison Kowiak on November 18, 2008, Michael Anthony Smallwood Starks on November 21, 2008, Carson Leonard Starkey on December 2, 2008, George Desdunes on February 25, 2011, Robert Darnell Champion on November 19, 2011, David R. Bogenberger on November 2, 2012, Marvell Edmonson on April 20, 2013, Jauwan Holmes on April 20, 2013, Marquise Braham on March 14, 2014, Dalton Debrick on August 24, 2014, Tucker W. Hipps on September 22, 2014, Nolan M. Burch on November 13, 2014, Timothy J. Piazza on February 4, 2017, Max Gruver on September 14, 2017, Andrew Coffey on November 3, 2017, Nicky Cumberland on October 30, 2018, Collin Wiant on November 12, 2018, Noah Domingo on January 12, 2019, Bea Castro on March 17, 2019, Justin King on September 14, 2019, Antonio Tsialas on October 24, 2019, Samuel Martinez on November 12, 2019, Adam Jeffrey Oakes on February 27, 2021, and Stone Justin Foltz on March 7, 2021;

Whereas students have suffered severe, life-altering injuries as a result of collegiate hazing, including Danny Santulli on October 19, 2021; and

Whereas hazing has a lasting, harmful, and deadly impact, and preventing hazing must be prioritized: Now, therefore, be it