A bill that increases the penalty for hazing by increasing fines and jail time goes before the House Criminal Justice Committee today. Three students responsible for the suspected hazing death of LSU student Maxwell Gruver were indicted last week and the maximum penalty they face is a 100 dollar fine and up to 30 days in jail. Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry says it’s not enough.
Landry says, "It's just a slap on the wrist. By increasing the penalty, we'll send a message to people who engage in this kind of activity that this is a crime."
A fourth person was indicted on negligent homicide.
Landry wants to take this bill a step further. A provision in the bill would fine Greek organizations and hold them responsible if a hazing injury or death occurred as a result of their actions.
Landry says, "They would be subject to a hundred thousand dollar fine and also forfeiture of any rights and privileges of being an organization on the campus."
A similar bill is in the Senate. Senator Dan Claitor’s bill would punish anyone found responsible for a hazing-related death and could face additional legal damages in civil court.