WASHINGTON (DC News Now)–A new federal law requires every state to have anti-hazing laws. President Biden approved the measure on Christmas Eve.
“It’s a start,” said Eric Oakes. “Number one, it’s not a group of grieving parents that you know, created this law for no reason.”
Oakes led the effort to get the law passed as his son died during a hazing event.
Adam Oakes, 19, of Potomac Falls, Va., died after an accidental alcohol overdose on February 27, 2021 at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Oakes attended an event at Delta Chi fraternity, which he pledged. Members made him drink a large bottle of alcohol. He died on the floor of the fraternity house, as no one called for help.
“Hazing is a problem on their campus, and it’s gotten so out of control,” said Oakes. “Nobody knows how to reel it in.”
The federal law requires all universities and colleges that participate in federal student aid programs to report hazing incidents and develop prevention programs. It, like the Virginia law named after Adam Oakes, the federal law lacks strict penalties.
“We are planning to go back to the General Assembly to make it a felony to hate someone to death in the state of Virginia,” said Oakes.
The state currently treats hazing as a misdemeanor, while six states don’t have anti-hazing laws. Now they must.
The university banned the fraternity following Oakes’ death. Time has not healed the wounds for the Oakes family, especially during the holidays.
“Not having him with us, not having had him here,” said Oakes.
Oakes and his wife have filed a $28-million suit against VCU, the fraternity, and those involved in the death of Adam Oakes.
The University of Maryland temporarily suspended fraternies and sororities back in March amid hazing allegation.
The state also considers hazing a misdemeanor, as violators could spend up to six months in jail, a $500 fine, or both.
Oakes said he’s pushing for changes to laws to make hazing laws in all states felonies.
