Investigation into Death of Penn State Student: Hazing and its Consequences
The death of a Penn State student often triggers investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly when hazing is suspected. These investigations often reveal a complex web of responsibility, legal implications, and the lasting impact on families and institutions. This article delves into the investigation of a Penn State student's death, examining the legal ramifications, the university's response, and the broader context of hazing culture.
Recent Events Spark Renewed Scrutiny
Recent events at Rutgers University have brought the issue of hazing back into the spotlight. Following the hospitalization of a 19-year-old student, members of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity were observed leaving their house, which had been the focus of police and EMS activity. The national fraternity has since suspended the local chapter and condemned hazing, stating that such behavior is not condoned or tolerated. The fraternity president stated that evidence of hazing at Rutgers would lead to the chapter's closure.
New Jersey's Anti-Hazing Law
New Jersey has a strict anti-hazing law in effect since March 2022, which classifies hazing as a third-degree crime if it results in death or serious bodily injury. The law also qualifies hazing as a fourth-degree crime, rather than a disorderly persons offense, if it results in bodily injury. This law was signed by Governor Phil Murphy in a 2021 ceremony attended by Jim and Evelyn Piazza, whose son, Timothy, died in a fraternity hazing ritual at Penn State University in 2017.
The Piazza Family's Advocacy
The Piazzas have become outspoken advocates against hazing, emphasizing that it is not an accident and calling for strict enforcement of anti-hazing laws. They expressed their disappointment in parents who are aware of their children being hazed but fail to report it. They have also stated that they expect New Jersey's strict law to be applied in the Rutgers case, if warranted.
The Timothy Piazza Case: A Landmark Example
The death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State University in 2017 serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of hazing. Piazza, a 19-year-old sophomore engineering student, died after participating in hazing activities at the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He consumed large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time as part of an obstacle course called "The Gauntlet," which led to him falling down the basement stairs and sustaining fatal injuries.
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Criminal Charges and Legal Proceedings
The Piazza case resulted in one of the largest criminal indictments against a fraternity and its members in American history. More than 1,000 counts were levied against 18 members of Beta Theta Pi, including eight who were charged with involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault. Ultimately, multiple defendants pleaded guilty, while two successfully filed a stay. One fraternity brother, Ryan Burke, pleaded guilty to nine charges, including four counts of hazing and five counts relating to unlawful acts involving liquor. He was sentenced to three months of house arrest.
The Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law
In response to Timothy Piazza's death, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf signed the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law into effect in October 2018. This law aimed to strengthen penalties for hazing and improve the prevention of such incidents. New Jersey followed suit, enacting similar legislation to combat hazing in schools and higher education institutions.
Penn State's Response to Hazing
Penn State University has faced scrutiny for its handling of hazing incidents. A grand jury investigation following Piazza's death revealed that pledges were routinely subjected to extreme drinking, physical and mental abuse, and threats of retaliation for reporting the activities. The report recommended sweeping changes to Pennsylvania's hazing law and Penn State's policies, including a zero-tolerance policy, stricter enforcement of underage drinking laws, and the creation of a "pledge's bill of rights."
Historical Context of Hazing at Penn State
Hazing has a long history at Penn State, with attempts to regulate it dating back to the early 20th century. In October 1949, Penn State’s Interfraternity Council (IFC) passed legislation abolishing Hell Week. In October 1991, secret societies Parmi Nous and Skull and Bones Senior Honor Society came under police investigation for hazing. Despite these efforts, hazing persisted, leading to tragic consequences like the deaths of Timothy Piazza and Joseph Dado.
The Joe Dado Case
Joseph Dado, an 18-year-old Penn State student, died in 2009 after being served drugs and alcohol by fraternities Phi Gamma Delta and Alpha Tau Omega. He was found dead in a stairwell with a 0.169 blood alcohol content. Criminal charges were filed against the ATO and FIJI chapters for furnishing alcohol to minors.
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The Penn State Child Sex Abuse Scandal: A Parallel Crisis
While not directly related to hazing, the Penn State child sex abuse scandal involving Jerry Sandusky also had a significant impact on the university's reputation and culture. The scandal, which began to emerge in 2011, revealed a pattern of child sexual abuse committed by Sandusky over a period of at least fifteen years. The scandal led to the indictment and conviction of Sandusky, as well as charges against several Penn State officials, including president Graham Spanier, vice president Gary Schultz, and athletic director Tim Curley.
Parallels in Institutional Response
Both the Piazza case and the Sandusky scandal highlighted potential failures in Penn State's institutional response to serious allegations. In both cases, there were questions about whether university officials had acted quickly enough or decisively enough to address the issues at hand. These cases prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability within the university.
Hazing Beyond Penn State: A National Problem
Hazing is not limited to Penn State; it is a widespread problem across college campuses and other organizations throughout the United States. HazingInfo.org, a partnership between several universities and StopHazing.org, tracks hazing incidents and provides resources for prevention.
The "Shep Test"
The "Shep Test," a hazing ritual reportedly used by the Beta Theta Pi fraternity at Penn State, illustrates the disturbing nature of some hazing activities. The test involves a fake branding ceremony, mind games, and physical abuse. Such rituals highlight the need for greater awareness and prevention efforts to combat hazing.
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