In a recent Orlando Sentinel commentary, Attorney David Bianchi addressed the ongoing hazing problem at the University of Central Florida, emphasizing that the university must take stronger action to protect students. Bianchi, who co-authored Florida’s felony hazing law, pointed to UCF’s repeated hazing scandals and called for immediate enforcement and accountability to put an end to this dangerous tradition.
The Reality of Hazing at UCF
In his commentary, Bianchi highlighted the troubling history of hazing at UCF. The Sigma Chi fraternity has been suspended eight times in recent years for hazing-related offenses, while Delta Upsilon and Phi Gamma Delta are also currently under suspension. Despite existing laws that make hazing a felony when it results in serious injury or death, Bianchi argues that a lack of enforcement has allowed these dangerous practices to continue.
"The combination of peer pressure, having young people away from home for the first time and, in too many cases, alcohol, causes good people to do things they would never do outside of that environment," Bianchi wrote. "The consequences are often life-changing, not only for the victims but for those who do the hazing."
The statistics he cites are alarming: Since 2000, almost 100 college students have died in hazing incidents nationwide, and many others have been seriously injured. The recent case of Danny Santulli at the University of Missouri—who was left permanently blind, unable to speak, unable to walk, and unable to care for himself—serves as a tragic reminder of the devastating impact of hazing.
What Needs to Change?
Bianchi asserts that more laws are not the solution—what’s needed is enforcement and decisive action from universities. Many hazing events occur at the same time every year as part of long-standing traditions. To combat this, UCF and other colleges must increase security and conduct unannounced visits to known hazing locations during these peak times.
More importantly, Bianchi calls for a strict zero-tolerance policy that swiftly expels students who plan or participate in hazing. "Too often, the universities initiate investigations without seriously disciplining anyone and, because of delays in the process, the perpetrators end up graduating from college before the investigations are completed. That is a bad system that does not deter future hazing behavior," Bianchi wrote. "Discipline must be swift and severe, not slow and meaningless."
The Message Must Be Clear
In his Orlando Sentinel commentary, Bianchi stresses that universities must send a strong and unmistakable message: Hazing will not be tolerated, and those who participate will face expulsion and criminal charges where applicable. He also advocates for mandatory anti-hazing programs during National Hazing Prevention Week for all fraternity and sorority members, as well as incoming freshmen who may be at risk of becoming victims.
"Those who haze at UCF, or any other college campus in America, need to get the message loud and clear that hazing is illegal, dangerous and will not be tolerated," Bianchi wrote. "Ask any student who has been incarcerated for hazing and they will all say that they wish they had never done it."