Rider University President Voices Support for Stop Campus Hazing Act

Rider University’s commitment to campus safety and hazing prevention is strongly reflected in letters of support for the Stop Campus Hazing Act from President Gregory G. Dell’Omo, Ph.D. These letters, addressed to Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Senator George Helmy (D-NJ), underscore Rider’s dedication to advancing hazing prevention efforts nationwide, especially in the wake of the tragic loss of Gary DeVercelly, Jr., a Rider student who passed away in 2007 as a result of hazing.

The Stop Campus Hazing Act (S.2901, H.R.5646), which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives and now heads to the Senate, would amend the Clery Act to require institutions to include hazing incidents in their annual security reports, enhance transparency of hazing policies and violations, and establish mandatory hazing prevention programs. Rider University has worked closely with the DeVercelly family, who serve on the board of Clery Center, to implement similar initiatives on campus, setting a powerful example for other institutions.

President Dell’Omo emphasizes that this legislation will be pivotal in advancing hazing prevention nationwide. We’re grateful for his advocacy, as well as the ongoing efforts of the Rider community, to help create safer, more accountable campus environments.

Read the letters (click to view larger):