Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to Sign Anti-Hazing Law Today
Ohio is set to toughen criminal penalties for hazing this fall, almost three years after the death of the student who inspired the law.
“Collin’s Law” will become law in early October after Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signs it. This is to honor Collin Wiant, a freshman at Ohio University who died after inhaling nitrous oxide in 2018.
The new Ohio law will elevate hazing violations to second-degree misdemeanors, and hazing that causes serious harm to someone will be upgraded to a third-degree felony punishable by prison time. In addition, college campuses are expected to provide anti-hazing training and online hazing violation reporting information.
In the Wiant case, seven fraternity members pleaded guilty.
Stone Foltz died in March after another alleged fraternity hazing at Bowling Green State University strengthened the case for stiffer hazing penalties. Seven members of that organization have pleaded not guilty.
Wiant and Foltz’s parents will attend the bill signing with Ohio Governor DeWine, as well as a number of other university presidents.