A Louisiana lawmaker is taking bold steps to combat hazing on college campuses with new legislation introduced in memory of a student whose tragic death shocked the state and reignited calls for change.
State Representative Delisha Boyd (D-New Orleans) is introducing House Bill 279, known as the “Caleb Wilson Act,” named in honor of Southern University student Caleb Wilson. Wilson died in February following an alleged hazing incident tied to a campus fraternity — a heartbreaking loss that has galvanized lawmakers, students, and families.
If passed, the bill would mandate a one-hour anti-hazing education course for all incoming freshmen, student-athletes, Greek organization members, and band members at Louisiana colleges and universities. The course would also be shared with the parents or guardians of any minors enrolled, ensuring families are informed from the start.
“I wanted to have something where we can teach our kids — the ones who might be hazed — that it’s okay to say no, and the ones doing the hazing to understand that they could be throwing their lives away,” Rep. Boyd said.
Louisiana already has anti-hazing legislation on the books, most notably the Max Gruver Act passed in 2018 after the death of an LSU student. That law made hazing a felony. However, the Caleb Wilson Act takes a different approach — focusing on education, prevention, and changing the campus culture before a tragedy occurs.
“For one second, I don’t believe anybody went out that night with the intention of someone dying,” Boyd explained. “I want a course that centers around explaining everything about hazing.”
Boyd, a close friend of the Wilson family, said she has worked in constant communication with them while crafting the bill. She added that her long-term vision is to make the course a graduation requirement, further embedding anti-hazing awareness into the academic journey of every student.
Supporters of the bill believe this preventative strategy could make a real difference.
“I don’t want to see anyone else killed, nor do I want to see anyone else go to prison for this — for an act where they never thought for a second they would kill someone,” Boyd said. “We want our kids to be loved, healthy, and getting an education — which is what they went to school for.”
The Caleb Wilson Act will be up for consideration in the 2025 legislative session, which begins later this month.
Source. WAFB 9 News
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