University of Kentucky steps up hazing prevention, transparency with new federal law

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The federal Stop Campus Hazing Act is now in effect at the University of Kentucky.

LEX18 reported the measure makes it mandatory for campus police to report the incident and also makes hazing incidents public record.

Each school also has to develop a comprehensive program to prevent hazing.

The police update comes after Thomas Lofton Hazelwood died of alcohol poisoning in 2021. Authorities said it was because of hazing at the Farmhouse Fraternity on campus. Authorities said his blood count was .354 — more than four times the legal limit.

"If a prospective student is coming to the university, they can look at our crime log, they can even dive into how many hazing incidents have been reported," UK Police Chief Joe Morton. "We are very serious in our investigations, to make sure that we prevent another death from occurring."

Kentucky enacted Lofton's Law in 2023, which makes it a felony, if hazing results in serious injuries or death.

The anti-hazing law creates a felony crime for hazing that results in the death or serious injury of a student. The offense is punishable by up to five years in prison. Also under the law, someone accused of recklessly engaging in hazing would face a misdemeanor charge, punishable by up to a year in jail.

UK has its hazing policy posted including ways to spot hazing, how to address it and potential signs of hazing. To read more, click here.

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