Assembly Resolution No. 1412

BY: M. of A. Rules (DeStefano)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
September 21-25, 2026, as Hazing Prevention Week in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, Hazing is a behavior that often occurs in environments with
imbalanced power dynamics and is intended to screen individuals, foster
bonds, or establish standing within organizations, but in doing so, it
places individuals at significant risk of physical and/or emotional
harm, often contradicting the stated mission or purpose of the
organization; and

WHEREAS, Hazing can take many forms and occurs in a wide range of
settings, including high schools, colleges, athletic teams,
fraternities, sororities, clubs, and other organizations; and

WHEREAS, An estimated 1.5 million high school students experience
hazing each year, and nearly half (47%) of students arrive at college
having already been subjected to hazing; and

WHEREAS, A staggering 74% of student-athletes report experiencing at
least one form of hazing while in college, with the most commonly
reported activity being participation in drinking games, which poses
additional health and safety risks; and

WHEREAS, 55% of college students involved in fraternities,
sororities, athletic teams, and other student organizations report
having experienced hazing, yet only 1 in 10 of those students recognize
or label the behavior as hazing; and

WHEREAS, 71% of students who witnessed hazing reported that alcohol
was involved, further exacerbating the potential for harm; and

WHEREAS, The Hazing Prevention Network, a national leader in
education and advocacy, organizes National Hazing Prevention Week (NHPW)
each year during the last full week of September, encouraging
communities, institutions, organizations, and individuals across the
country to take collective and intentional action to raise awareness and
promote education to prevent hazing; and

WHEREAS, The purpose of NHPW is to provide a designated time for
students, educators, coaches, administrators, and community members to
engage in meaningful dialogue, reflection, and programming focused on
the harms of hazing and strategies for prevention; and

WHEREAS, The State of New York recognizes the need to foster safe,
inclusive, and supportive environments for all students and individuals
participating in organizations of every kind and is committed to
supporting awareness efforts that protect health, well-being, and human
dignity; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 21-25, 2026, as
Hazing Prevention Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the

observance of National Hazing Prevention Week, and to commend the
efforts of the Hazing Prevention Network and all those working to end
hazing through education, advocacy, and community engagement; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York; and the Hazing Prevention Network.