IV 

118TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. RES. 717 

Supporting the designation of the week of September 25 through September 

29, 2023, as ‘‘National Hazing Awareness Week’’. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

SEPTEMBER 21, 2023 

Mrs. MCBATH (for herself and Mr. DUNCAN) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce 

RESOLUTION 

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; 


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•HRES 717 IH 

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, 


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•HRES 717 IH 

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 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

2 (1) supports the designation of ‘‘National Haz3 ing Awareness Week’’; 

4 (2) acknowledges hazing prevention is not lim5 ited to a single week of awareness but is an ongoing 

6 commitment; and 

7 (3) encourages the people of the United States 

8 to observe National Hazing Awareness Week 

9 through promoting hazing awareness and prevention. 

Æ 


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