Link to the Statesman article:
March 26, 2009
Bill would crack down on hazing
Hazing would be barred at schools and universities, and student participants and organizations subject to fines, under a bill proposed by Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem, and heard Wednesday by the Senate Education Committee.
Senate Bill 444 was introduced, Courtney said, because state law exempts college athletic teams from the anti-hazing law even though state university rules ban hazing. A revised version would change the law, extend the ban to public schools, and update definitions.
Hazing covers physical brutality, activity adversely affecting physical health or safety, compelled consumption and inducement of illegal activity.
“I realize the importance of both discipline and team building,” said Courtney, a sports fan and former coach. “Hazing is not an appropriate way to encourage either.”
A student organization would be subject to a maximum fine of $720; a participant, $360. The committee took no action.
— Peter Wong
