# Understanding National Hazing Awareness Week

This resolution asks Congress to officially recognize the week of September 25-29, 2023, as "National Hazing Awareness Week." It's not a law that creates new rules or punishments—instead, it's a symbolic statement designed to draw attention to the serious problem of hazing in colleges and universities.

The resolution highlights some sobering facts: about 55 percent of college students involved in clubs, sports teams, and other organizations report experiencing hazing. The bill includes a long list of students who have died from hazing-related incidents over the past two decades, as well as others who suffered severe, life-altering injuries. These examples underscore why Congress wants to make hazing a bigger priority in public conversation. The resolution defines hazing as intentional harmful acts committed against students as part of joining an organization—things that go beyond normal training or participation and create serious risks of physical injury, mental harm, or humiliation.

What this actually means for you depends on who you are. If you're a college student, this resolution encourages your school and student organizations to use this designated week to educate people about what hazing is and how to prevent it. If you're a parent, it signals that Congress recognizes hazing as a genuine safety concern worth addressing. The resolution also acknowledges that preventing hazing isn't just a one-week effort but requires ongoing commitment from students, staff, administrators, faculty, and alumni. While this resolution doesn't create new laws or directly change how hazing is handled, it's meant to spark conversations and encourage colleges to take hazing prevention more seriously year-round.

Supporting the designation of the week of September 25 through September 29, 2023, as "National Hazing Awareness Week".

McBath, Lucy

 <p>This resolution supports the designation of National Hazing Awareness Week.</p>