On March 12, 2025, SAFE Campuses, LLC joined a remarkable group of advocates, lawmakers, and families at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the passage of the Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA). Signed into law on December 23, 2024, this groundbreaking legislation marks a turning point in the fight against hazing on college campuses—a cause deeply tied to our mission of creating safer, more transparent campus environments. The event was a tribute to the families whose courage transformed personal tragedy into national change and a testament to the power of collaboration.
A Gathering of Champions
The celebration brought together key figures who made this legislative victory possible:
- Families of Hazing Victims: Gary and Julie DeVercelly, parents of Gary L. DeVercelly, Jr., who died from acute alcohol poisoning during a fraternity hazing ritual in 2007, at Rider University, and Jim and Evelyn Piazza, whose son Timothy died in 2017 at Penn State University following a hazing incident. Numerous other families of hazing victims were present, turning their grief into a relentless push for reform.
- Lawmakers: U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Congresswoman Lucy McBath (D-GA), key sponsors of the bill, were in attendance. While Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) was unable to attend due to other commitments and Representative Jeff Duncan (R-SC), who has since retired, could not be there, both deserve immense credit for their pivotal roles in co-leading the bipartisan effort that brought this law to fruition.
- Organizational Leaders: Representatives from the Clery Center, including Abigail Boyer and Sheilah Vance, and StopHazing, including Elizabeth J. Allan and Meredith Stewart, were in attendance. S. Daniel Carter, President of SAFE Campuses, LLC, stood alongside them, reflecting our organization’s commitment.
- Key Congressional Staff: Staff members exhibited the strongest bipartisan collaboration I’ve witnessed in my 34 years working with Congress on campus safety issues, playing an invaluable role in the legislative process. – S. Daniel Carter
Against the ornate backdrop of the Jefferson Building—a symbol of knowledge and progress—these individuals united to honor the past and envision a safer future for students nationwide.
The Heart of the Law: Families Leading the Way
At the core of the Stop Campus Hazing Act are the families who refused to let their losses define the end of their story. The DeVercellys and Pizzas, among others, tirelessly advocated for change, sharing their experiences with lawmakers and arranging visits to Washington, D.C. Their voices were instrumental in shaping this law.
Senator Klobuchar captured their impact during the event:
“I have never seen legislation before where the families made a bigger difference… turning your grief into action.”
Congresswoman McBath, a mother who also lost a child to violence, added:
“Thank you for never giving up, for pounding on our doors, for showing up. It has made a difference.”
These families have not only secured a legacy of safety but have inspired all of us at SAFE Campuses to keep pushing forward.
SAFE Campuses’ Pivotal Role
At SAFE Campuses, LLC, we’ve been proud to play a direct role in this victory. S. Daniel Carter, on behalf of our organization, provided extensive technical support to the bill’s sponsors and Congressional leaders on how to best integrate hazing into the Clery Act. “This collaboration ensured the law’s provisions were practical and effective, aligning with our commitment to enhancing campus safety,” said S. Daniel Carter, President of SAFE Campuses, LLC. He also noted, “The staff working on this bill exhibited the strongest bipartisan collaboration I’ve ever seen in my career—a rare and inspiring display of unity that facilitated this historic achievement.” As colleges begin implementing these changes, SAFE Campuses stands ready to assist, whether through developing prevention programs or ensuring compliance with reporting mandates.
What the Stop Campus Hazing Act Means for Campuses
The Stop Campus Hazing Act amends the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act—formerly known as the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, with its streamlined name established by the SCHA—with three key provisions:
- Reporting Hazing Incidents: Colleges must include hazing incidents in their Annual Security Report (Clery Report), shedding light on a problem often hidden.
- Prevention Programs: Institutions are required to implement research-based hazing education and prevention programs campus-wide.
- Transparency: Colleges must publish their hazing policies online and list organizations found in violation, while maintaining a Campus Hazing Transparency Report updated at least twice a year.
These changes are transformative. Implementation began on January 1, 2025, with colleges collecting hazing statistics for the 2026 Clery Report, due October 1, 2026. Other deadlines include having policies in place by July 1, 2025, and publishing the first transparency report by December 23, 2025.
Enforcement by the U.S. Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education is charged with enforcing the Stop Campus Hazing Act, as it is required by law to enforce all aspects of the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act. This includes conducting compliance reviews, investigating complaints, and providing technical assistance to institutions to ensure they meet the Act’s requirements. Institutions that violate the Act may face warnings, fines of up to $71,545 per violation, limitation or suspension of federal aid, or loss of eligibility to participate in federal student aid programs. These penalties, adjusted annually for inflation, underscore the Department’s commitment to accountability, ensuring colleges take their responsibilities seriously while offering support to help them comply effectively.
The Road Ahead
The passage of this law is a monumental step, but it’s not the finish line. Hazing has claimed over 200 lives since 1838, with more than 50 since 2000. Changing that statistic requires a cultural shift, supported by ongoing efforts from the Clery Center, StopHazing, and SAFE Campuses. We’re committed to working with our partners to ensure this law delivers on its promise, building on the bipartisan spirit that brought it to life.
A Moment of Hope
The March 12 celebration was a moment to honor the families like the DeVercellys and Pizzas, lawmakers, Congressional staff, and advocates who made the Stop Campus Hazing Act a reality. It was also a moment to look forward with hope—hope that fewer families will know the pain of losing a child to hazing, and hope that students will thrive on campuses where safety is a priority.
At SAFE Campuses, LLC, we’re proud to be part of this movement. Together, we can make that hope a reality—one campus at a time.
