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WFSU News recently did a story about Attorney David Bianchi’s current mission: a federal law that “will apply to all 50 states, which will make hazing that causes serious personal injury or death a felony.” If you’re familiar with our firm, you’ll know that Mr. Bianchi was behind the Chad Meredith Law, the history-making bill that made causing a hazing death a felony in Florida.
Now, with Andrew Coffey’s death (and the hazing death of 3 other students in 2017), Mr. Bianchi is once again pushing for legal accountability—this time from federal lawmakers. “What we’ll do on a federal level is, we will find some congressmen and a senator to co-sponsor similar legislation but even tougher. And I think we can get that passed as well, because who would be opposed to it? And hopefully we can get the president to sign it,” Bianchi said.
Mr. Bianchi is also working toward gaining the support of community leaders in Florida, including FSU President John Thrasher and other college presidents. Specifically, Mr. Bianchi is calling upon them to get colleges and universities to commit to a no-tolerance policy with regard to fraternity hazing. It would require all fraternities to cease hazing or risk being permanently banned.
PUSHing Toward a Solution
One of the most vocal forces behind the proposed federal hazing law is a new organization called PUSH—Parents United to Stop Hazing. The organization has a tragic but exclusive membership: the roster is a list of parents who have lost their children to hazing deaths. The names on the list include the Meredith family and Andrew Coffey’s parents: Sandra and Tom.
Our firm stands behind PUSH and Firm Partner David Bianchi. We wholeheartedly believe that this law will change the landscape of American universities forever—facilitating the creation of a safer, more accountable campus environment. In the end, PUSH’s mission says it best: they just don’t want to have to accept any more members.
For the full story, visit the WFSU News report here.