New laws make fraternity and sorority hazing a felony

In 2017, four US college students died in hazing-related incidents, quadruple the historical average. And people noticed. The dark side of Greek life on college campuses was a hot-button issue throughout 2017, with many calling for an end to the Greek system all together.

To combat the sharp incline in student deaths, Louisiana is taking action against initiation hazing. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards just signed into law an anti-hazing bill which makes "hazing that resulted in death, serious bodily harm, or life-threatening levels of alcohol" a felony. Students found guilty of this type of hazing face five years in prison. The law comes into effect just eight months after the death of Louisiana State student Maxwell Gruver, who died while pledging Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

And Louisiana is not the only state taking anti-hazing measures. New Mexico state representatives are working towards an anti-hazing law in their state, with Pennsylvania expected to follow suit in coming months in response to the high-profile death of Tim Piazza, a Penn State student who died after falling down the stairs of his fraternity and allegedly left without medical aid.

Some think it's not enough just to implement anti-hazing measures. In Tennessee, a state representative suggested banning fraternities in state schools altogether.

"Total frat moves" are going to become harder in the United States, and that's definitely a good thing. Call me crazy, but I don't think anyone should have to die to "prove" they deserve friendship and entrance to Business Bros and Secretary Hoes mixers.

Related Stories:

Rushing, hazing and initiations: Inside the strange rituals of American sororities

Sorority girls reveal how vicious rush actually is