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February 18, 2020
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In response to at least 10 hazing-related deaths at Texas universities since 2000, state lawmakers passed a bill in 2019 to toughen anti-hazing laws. The Texas House Committee on Higher Education revisited the bill on Tuesday, with anti-hazing advocates calling for legislation that would hold individual students responsible for their actions, according to The Texas Tribune. “Students report the No. 1 deterrent that will stop hazing, the No. 1 by far, is visible, individual, public accountability,” Judson Horras, president of the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), told lawmakers.
Hazing could be made a crime in Wyoming if House Bill 0152 becomes law, reports Oil City News. The Wyoming House of Representatives agreed to take up the bill on Friday, approving the proposal on an introductory consent vote. The bill defines hazing as “… any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, club, association, fraternity, or sorority which is part of the institution or is recognized by the institution or permitted by the institution to use its name or facilities, whether on public or private property, that willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person.”
According to The Denver Post, Colorado Public Radio, and NBC 9, the University of Northern Colorado has placed restrictions on fraternity and sorority activities this semester after reports of sexual misconduct, drug use, and underage drinking. As a result, chapters must draft a “Safety and Success Plan” during the spring 2020 semester. NPC note: The NPC office has been in contact with the fraternity/sorority advisor who stated the media coverage contains inaccuracies and Panhellenic will be able to recruit. We will continue to monitor and engage with the university and member organizations as appropriate.
At its meeting Friday, Feb. 14, Grand Council considered an alumna initiate candidate, granted an alumnae chapter charter, and reviewed 2020 Grand Convention legislation. Note: Legislation will be distributed and posted by March 31, 2020.
Spread the word: The deadline for Theta Foundation’s 2020 Scholarship Application is coming up soon! All applications and recommendation forms are due by 6:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, March 4. Review the Apply for Scholarships & Grants page or contact Foundation Programs Manager Mary Kate Smith for more information.
Tuesday, March 17, is the Atlanta-area Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee (FSPAC) fundraiser. For those of you in and around Atlanta, please consider attending to learn more about the Fraternal Government Relations Coalition’s efforts. If you have questions, please contact Director of Government Relations Laurie Connor.