National debate focuses on hazing

Staff report

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (D.Fla) and activist Rev. Al Sharpton recently held a panel discussion addressing hazing and the need for federal legislation, in the wake of the death of FAMU Drum Major and hazing victim, Robert Champion. “The High School Class of 2013 Anti-Hazing Forum,” was held Friday, Sept. 21st, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. College and university presidents, the families of hazing victims, presidents of greek organizations, students and other stakeholders took part in the historic panel discussion on the subject of hazing. Robert Champion’s parents addressed the panel as well as Lianne Kowiak, the mother of hazing victim Harrison Kowiak of Tampa. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., was a sponsor of the forum.
“We are going to get away from calling it hazing,” Wilson said. “It’s assault; it’s battery; it’s down-right murder and it has to stop. No parent, who sends their child off to school, wants to get that call that their child is dead. We must put an end to this climate on college campuses that hazing is acceptable behavior, in order to become a member of an organization.”