The University of Idaho has begun keeping a public record of hazing incidents on campus regarding any student organization, athletic team or living group in accordance with H.R. 5646, the Stop Campus Hazing Act, signed into federal law in January of 2025.
The law requires institutions of higher education that participate in federal student aid programs to follow standards surrounding hazing prevention, education and accountability. One of the law’s provisions further requires that universities be transparent about the discovery of any hazing in their student organizations. These disclosures are now included in the annual safety report as well as a public hazing transparency report available on the UI website. These records will be publicly available for at least five years.
A hazing report for Beta Theta Pi has already been filed and made public this semester. Beta Theta Pi was investigated and found responsible for the hazing of potential new members following their bid opening on Aug. 18. The Argonaut reached out to Beta Theta Pi for comment, but did not receive a statement.
The investigation lasted from the Aug. 18-25, and the fraternity is under probation until fraternity members, advisors and housing corporation members have completed mandatory hazing workshops and updated bid day planning and member orientation have been incorporated.
Beta Theta Pi is currently on probation with the university, but it is in good standing with headquarters, according to the UI website.
“The Interfraternity Council condemns all forms of hazing,” Robbie Reinhardt, Interfraternity Council vice president of community development, wrote in an email to The Argonaut.
“We are committed to upholding the values of safety, respect and accountability across our community,” Reinhardt wrote. “At this time, we urge everyone to refrain from spreading rumors or speculation. It is in the best interest of all parties to allow the university to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.”
The Argonaut also reached out to Cari Fealy, the Associate Dean of Students, about the enactment of this law on campus.
“The Stop Campus Hazing Act will affect campus and fraternity and sorority life in a number of ways,” Fealy wrote in an email to The Argonaut. “The new law underscores the seriousness of hazing on all levels, and it is the responsibility of all student organizations … to create healthy environments for their members.”
Fealy expressed her belief that the transparency documentation will increase accountability and awareness and encourage students and their families to make informed choices. According to Fealy, previous efforts to facilitate healthy group cultures and activities have largely been received well by student life organizations.
When asked how this legislation will impact investigations at UI, she said that current investigative practices already prioritize student safety, fairness and collaboration with organization advisors.
“The law strengthens expectations around reporting and transparency and [creates] a positive and healthy experience for our Vandal community,” Fealy wrote.
Fealy directed students to report hazing incidents though a Vandal Care Referral. She also recognizes that students may feel more comfortable filing an anonymous report, but stated that the university does its best to protect the identity of the student and that follow-up is often beneficial to the investigation.
According to the online database HazingInfo.org, there have been 124 recorded hazing deaths in the U.S. from 2000-2025. That is an average of five hazing deaths per year in the last 25 years. Sixteen of these occurred in the 2020s, and at least one school-related hazing death has occurred every year since 1959, according to the website.
To date, UI has had only one death associated with Greek activities. . In 2012, Lambda Chi Alpha pledge Preston Vorhauer drowned in the Dworshak Reservoir in Orofino. An investigating detective ruled the incident a non-hazing death, which was accepted by the university.
To The Argonaut, then Dean of Students Bruce Pitman remarked that, to his understanding, “a couple of guys swimming nearby tried to come to his aid but were not able to help him. He went under and drowned.”
Julia Kolman can be reached at [email protected].