Fordham University recently introduced a new hazing prevention training course for students and updated regulations, in order to comply with the federal amendment Stop Campus Hazing Act, which was signed into law in December 2024.
The Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA), officially Public Law No. 118-173, adds new requirements that higher education institutions must comply with.
“These new requirements include publication of hazing findings related to student organizations and individuals, additional detail on how hazing is investigated and on research-based prevention programs like the one launched this week,” said Christopher Rodgers, associate vice president for Strategy and Operations, in an email.
The SCHA was one of the last amendments passed during former President Joe Biden’s term, and amends the Higher Education Act of 1965. The SCHA was created in response to the death of Gary DeVercelly, Jr., who lost his life at 18 years old due to fraternity hazing rituals. In 2014, seven years after his death, his parents, Gary and Julie DeVercelly, headed the national movement for hazing transparency and were advocates for the Report and Educate About Campus Hazing (REACH) Act.
Their efforts in advocating for anti-hazing legislation led to the introduction of the REACH Act, which, combined with parts of the End All Hazing Act, created the SCHA.
According to public law, hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing or reckless acts committed against a person in connection with joining or maintaining membership in a student organization that creates a risk of physical or psychological harm.
However, some cases that include students and student organizations may fall into a grey area, for which Fordham has specific procedures that are detailed in the Student Handbook.
“Trained, qualified investigators from DPS will investigate complaints impartially and objectively, perform fact-finding, and follow all relevant procedures,” the handbook states. “The results of the investigation will then be provided to the Associate Vice President for student affairs, the Dean of students, or their designee for referral to the student conduct system as appropriate or other action as necessary, including any action required with student organizations.”
Although hazing is typically associated with Greek life, which does not exist at Fordham, the university still holds faculty, student-athletes, clubs and coaches to high standards.
“All members of the Fordham community, including but not limited to students, faculty, staff, coaches, team captains, student-athletes, student leaders, and clubs/organizations are expected to accept responsibility for our community and act with integrity and civility,” the student handbook says. “This includes not only refraining from engaging in activities such as those described in this training and regulation, but also reporting any suspected hazing incidents.”
This updated hazing training will be hosted through Vector Solutions, the same online platform used by the university for AlcoholEdu and Sexual Assault Prevention training. An email announcement with instructions was sent out on Nov. 2 with details on the updated regulations.
Club leaders and other faculty members attended a summit at the beginning of the year that went over Title IX, leadership, career planning and hazing prevention training.
Nick Verone, FCRH ’26, the president of The Mimes and Mummers, attended this summit. He thinks the training is important for students.
“As leaders of other generations that are going to become leaders, it’s important to make sure that you’re setting the right example,” he said. “We’re in college and we’re in a very academic college, and I think hazing has no place here.”
Along with the mandatory Alcohol and Sexual Assault training courses, hazing training will soon be mandatory for incoming students and upperclassmen.
“Every student has been invited to review the updated policy,” said Rodgers. “To learn more about how to prevent and report any occurrence of this national problem in our community.”
