Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, extracurricular groups, athletic teams, and on-campus organizations are formed to serve common objectives while providing a safe and welcoming environment for students. However, hazing is a dangerous and yet all-too-common practice that runs counter to the values of these organizations and threatens student health and safety. Too many lives have already been lost because of hazing, including one in my State of Virginia. In 2021, Adam Oakes, a freshman at Virginia Commonwealth University, tragically died because of an alcohol-related hazing incident at a fraternity. Regrettably, since 2000, there have been over 100 hazing-related deaths on college campuses nationally. The fact is that nothing can lessen the agony of losing a child or a friend. However, I am hopeful that from these tragedies, Congress can step in and help students and families avoid future tragedies. We are here today because of the tireless advocacy of families and friends who have lost loved ones from hazing. For years, these families have worked to advance State and Federal policies to end hazing and protect students. Some of those families have joined us in the gallery today. The bipartisan Stop Campus Hazing Act, H.R. 5646, would protect students from hazing on college campuses by improving reporting and prevention standards.…”