Bill discussed banning students who haze from Ga. schools

By Laura Diamond

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Lawmakers started work Wednesday on a bill that would bar students from Georgia schools and colleges if they're convicted of hazing.

Enlarge photo

Family photo Robert Champion was a Florida A&M University drum major and student who died in a suspected FAMU hazing incident.

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No vote was taken on House Bill 659, but the bill's author and members of the House Education Sub-Committee on Academic Support suggested revisions.

Rep. Joe Wilkinson, R-Sandy Springs, filed the bill about six months before Robert Champion, a Florida A&M University drum major from DeKalb County, died following an alleged hazing incident.

Wilkinson said the bill was prompted by concerns that hazing has moved beyond fraternities and sororities to campus clubs, bands and minor sports teams.

A state law from 1986 makes a hazing a misdemeanor, but Wilkinson said it needs to be tougher. The bill states that anyone convicted of hazing "shall not be eligible to enroll in or attend" a school or college.

While permanent expulsion is "an extreme measure," Wilkinson said people need to "understand we're serious about stopping hazing in the state of Georgia."

Committee members asked if there should be a minimum age for students to be affected by the proposed law. Others questioned whether a one-time action by a teenager should result in being permanently barred from a Georgia college.

In response Wilkinson suggested that a first hazing conviction lead to suspension, while a second result in expulsion. He said he was open to additional tweaks from the committee.