Government News
Sacramento, CA – Earlier this month, Assemblymember Chris Holden’s legislation, Assembly Bill 2193, Tyler’s Law, was signed into law by the Governor. Tyler’s Law will allow for civil action to be brought against an educational institution for an instance of hazing in which an educational institution had direct involvement or should have known of the dangerous hazing practices of an affiliated organization.
“There are endless fatal hazing cases that have happened all across the country spanning decades back,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “No part of participating in the college experience should be deadly and I am glad that we as a state are on the verge of establishing some protections for these students.”
The family of Tyler Hilliard knows all too well the tragedy that can occur from lack of hazing accountability in higher education institutions. A wrongful death lawsuit filed by Tyler’s parents alleges that on September 18, 2018, Tyler, a young man and student at UC Riverside, died while participating in a fraternity hazing incident by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Tyler was 20 years old when he passed away and did not live to see his junior year. His family has been outspoken about the necessity of further oversight and importance of AB 2193.
“Hazing is a prowling culture undermining the values of the community and stifling the voices of those eager to trust. Our son Tyler had the spirit of giving, loving, and an overall sense of pride. Tyler’s Law seeks to put an end to hazing and hold educational institutions and fraternities accountable. STOP the hazing!” – Myeasha Kimble & William Hilliard, Parents of Tyler Hilliard
There have been an influx of dangerous hazing practices within extracurricular groups and campus organizations, and a lackluster effort on the part of many institutions to address it in a preventative manner. As a result, The Indiana United Press recorded that there has been at least one hazing-related death a year between 1961 and 2017. Hazing can include anything from forced alcohol consumption, to physical abuse, public humiliation, and an assortment of other activities that can lead to severe long-term trauma and, too often, death.
“Colleges and universities are in the best position to prevent or intervene to stop hazing on their campuses, and must be held responsible when they fail to take action to protect students from harm,” said Christa Ramey, Consumer Attorneys of California Board Member. “Governor Newsom’s signature on AB 2193 will support the victims of harmful hazing practices in their fight to hold institutions accountable in court.”
Hazing is a detrimental practice that California has characteristically taken seriously through legislation. Assembly Bill 2193 keeps us on that path by holding the educational institutions who promote participation in and benefit from these organizations responsible for the consequences that they may bring to students. This responsibility will hopefully incentivize institutions to bolster their oversight and preventative measures as they pertain to hazing in an effort to save students’ lives.
“As kids in California step into adulthood and seek higher education let’s ensure they are doing so with the support of the state, their families, and the institution where they seek higher learning, knowing that they will come back home in one piece,” said Holden.
