PEORIA, Ill. – Legislation supported by state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, creating new penalties for school officials who fail to report hazing incidents was recently signed into law

“This measure aims to prevent instances of hazing our schools, colleges, and universities,” Gordon-Booth said. “By increasing penalties, I believe we can encourage school officials to report hazing and reduce school violence. If we can prevent one case of hazing, we are making progress.”

House Bill 1443 creates a new crime called failure to report hazing which specifically addresses anyone employed by a school, college, university or other Illinois educational institution who does not report hazing when he or she has knowledge of it happening. Currently, only those performing the act can be charged in hazing cases.

Under this new law, school employees who fail to report instances of hazing can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor. However, if the act that they failed to report resulted in great bodily harm or death of an individual, the employee could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor.

“As part of my effort to make sure that our children have a safe and healthy learning environment, this legislation further holds adults responsible for what happens under their care,” Gordon-Booth said. “I will continue to support legislation that puts the safety of our children first.”

For more information, please contact Gordon-Booth’s constituent service office at 309-681-1992 or repjgordon@gmail.com.