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New Hazing Bill Could Become Law
By DAVID YOUNG
Friday, June 18, 2004
The Gonzales Weekly
A bill that stemmed from a hazing incident at St. Amant High School has passed three of four hurdles in the state legislature and is expected to get final approval before the session ends next week.
Karen Savoy, whose son Jake was seriously hazed during a St. Amant football team practice, started Mothers Against School Hazing earlier this year. She has pledged “not to let go” until new anti-hazing measures are adopted at
the state and federal level.
It’s hard to believe that incidents like this can happen, said Republican Michael Powell from Shreveport after hearing Savoy’s heartfelt testimony about the incident.
A former football coach, Rep. Donald Trahan, of Lafayette, also expressed strong support for Savoy’s efforts.
The measure, sponsored by Sen. Butch Gautreaux, has already passed the Senate and is now awaiting final action in the House.
The bill would define activities as hazing when they subject students to
physical, mental, or psychological harm for admittance or acceptance into any group.
The bill would also require students, teachers and others to take steps to prevent hazing and to ensure that the anti-hazing policies are not violated.
If it becomes law, the measure would also set penalties and appeal provisions for hazing incidents.
Since the incident, the Ascension Parish School Board has adopted an anti-hazing policies that requires prinicipals to expel students caught in hazing incidents.
Football coach and Athletic Director David Swacker and students charged in the Savoy incident are slated to go on trial June 25th.
