COLUMBUS – As Ohio’s anti-hazing law takes effect, the state has launched its plan for preventing hazing on campuses.
The Ohio Department of Higher Education plan includes a model anti-hazing policy and guidelines for colleges and universities to develop their own anti-hazing education and training programs.
Collin’s Law, named in honor of Collin Wiant, an 18-year-old from Dublin who died in a hazing incident in 2018 at Ohio University, was signed by Gov. Mike DeWine in July and goes into effect Thursday.
It was also inspired by the death of Stone Foltz, of Delaware County, who died in March as a result of a hazing incident at Bowling Green State University.
“This new law won’t bring back Collin, it can’t bring back Stone, and it doesn’t take away the pain and heartbreak known by these families and others who have experienced this kind of loss from the horrific consequences of hazing. I am hopeful that through awareness efforts, increased penalties and higher standards upheld by our universities and colleges, we will see change and it will help save lives,” said Sen. Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard), who sponsored the bill.
The legislation makes hazing a felony, increases criminal penalties, establishes comprehensive reporting requirements, and sets education and training expectations supporters say are among the most comprehensive in the country.