Rhode Island Anti-Hazing Law Passed

PROVIDENCE, RI — A Rhode Island bill to create a statewide anti-hazing policy for public schools was signed into law.

The legislation introduced by state Rep. Joseph M. McNamara, D-Warwick and Cranston, and state Sen. Matthew L. LaMountain, D-Warwick and Cranston.

The new law compels the department of education to develop the policy in conjunction with the Rhode Island Interscholastic League to establish zero tolerance for hazing and ensure discipline that is transparent and consistent, according to a media release.

“As a retired educator, coach and former student athlete, I can state without reservation that hazing is degrading, abusive and dangerous,” McNamara, the chairs of the House Education Committee said in the release.

“We’ve all worked hard to make schools safer, more welcoming and more inclusive, McNamara said. "Athletics should not be an exception to that rule. Regardless of what form it takes, hazing creates an environment of trauma and humiliation, and we have to take it more seriously.”

The guiding principle behind this bill and the policy it would create is that hazing, bullying and harassment have no place in any school environment,” LaMountain, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said in the release.

“School sports and other activities are designed to build self-esteem in young people, not tear it down," LaMountain said. "This will go a long way toward establishing a firm, anti-hazing culture in our schools.”

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