After the death of an LSU fraternity pledge in 2016, Louisiana passed new anti-hazing laws, to impose tougher sentences on students convicted of hazing. But critics say not enough was done to make sure universities, fraternities, and sororities were trying to prevent hazing. The state senate today is set to consider for final passage a bill that would address some of those concerns.
Current law gives universities and Greek organizations up to 14 days to do their own investigation of hazing accusations before notifying law enforcement. Anti-hazing legal expert David Easlick says all that does is keep allegations from coming to light
"Basically there's a huge amount of cover-up going on and its being done by local alumni and national, whatever," said Easlick. "It's basically no different than a bank robbery or anything else: it's a crime, they have notice of a crime, and they need to report it to the police."
House Bill 443, from Lafayette Republican Nancy Landry, would require immediate schools and Greek organizations to immediately report hazing allegations to law enforcement. The bill also mandates more transparency in a university's response to hazing claims.
"I really think that this is probably something that's necessary, unfortunately," said Easlick.
