New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an anti-hazing bill into law on Monday as students prepare to go back to school.
The death of a New York City student during a fraternity initiation ceremony prompted the state legislature to pass the anti-hazing law earlier this year.
Five years ago, Chun “Michael” Deng, a student at Baruch College, died after suffering a fatal head injury during a hazing rite in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. Police charged 37 members of the Pi Delta Psi fraternity with crimes ranging from third-degree murder to aggravated assault.
Four fraternity members received prison sentences in January after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter and hindering apprehension. Fourteen other fraternity members got probation sentences after pleading guilty to misdemeanor charges. They got a probation sentence of 36 months.
Anti-hazing Law Aims to Prevent Dangerous and Fatal Initiation Ceremonies
“These hazing rituals are dangerous and reckless with potentially fatal consequences,” Cuomo said in a statement on Monday. “I’m proud to sign this legislation to protect college students across this great state.
