Effective July 1, 2022, Virginia fraternity and sorority members and potential members of such student organizations must complete hazing prevention training provided by colleges and universities. These new education and training requirements for students and institutions of higher education come from “Adam's Law” (identical Senate and House bills SB439 and HB525), which Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed into law last month.  

New Mandatory Hazing Training Requirements  

 Adam's Law requires each current member, new member, and potential member of such organizations to complete in-person education about:  

• The definition of hazing  
• The dangers of hazing, including alcohol intoxication  
• Laws and institutional policies regarding hazing 
• The university or college's disciplinary process  

Notably, Adam's Law offers immunity from disciplinary action to those who, in good faith, report an act of hazing before or during a hazing incident that causes injury to a person. It also requires advisors of fraternities and sororities to undergo hazing prevention training.  

New Reporting Requirements for Hazing and Code of Conduct Violations 

Beginning with the 2022-2023 academic year, Adam's Law requires institutions of higher education to publicly report violations of federal and state hazing laws, and the institution's code of conduct. A related piece of legislation requires student organizations to maintain and publicly publish hazing violations online.  

Adam's Law Applies Broadly to Many Students and Organizations

These new legal requirements for public and private schools, students, and student organization advisors bring a significant change in laws governing Virginia colleges and student life. Unlike previous laws, Adam's Law's training requirement applies to students who want to join any student organization – that is, it applies to potential members as well as current and new members. Adam's Law also applies broadly to student organizations in public and private institutions of higher education, which could include service and academic organizations in addition to fraternities and sororities. 

The Lento Law Firm Provides Experienced Legal Representation in Student Disciplinary Proceedings Across the United States

Individuals accused of hazing violations (for example, violating Pennsylvania's anti-hazing law, or failing to complete hazing prevention training in violation of Adam's Law in Virginia) and/or other school code of conduct violations risk incurring penalties and disciplinary actions by the school, including probation, loss of financial aid or scholarships, removal from school housing, suspension, and expulsion. The possible consequences for hazing at the school level – let alone any potential civil or criminal charges you might incur – may have a significant detrimental impact on your future. For example, a suspension (usually the absolute minimum sanction in school disciplinary actions, especially in school hazing cases) can result in a gap in your transcript that potential employers will ask you to explain. To further complicate matters, a college or university's disciplinary process is often heavily weighted in the school's favor, making it even more challenging for students to advocate for themselves and succeed in their defense.

If you need representation against a hazing allegation or other school concern that can affect your future, contact the Lento Law Firm online or call 888-535-3686. Attorney Joseph D. Lento and his expert team specialize in student defense and represents students throughout the United States.