The Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act is close to final legislative passage. Wilson died in a hazing incident in February 2025 when he was repeatedly punched in the stomach while pledging for Omega Psi Phi fraternity on the Southern University Campus. Lafayette Senator Gerald Boudreaux presented the bill on the Senate floor with Wilson’s parents watching.
“Caleb Wilson was 20 years old. A Southern University student, and a member of the Human Jukebox, and he was a son; a son who should still be here today,” Boudreaux said.
If Governor Landry signs the legislation into law, it would take effect for the 2027-28 school year and will apply to fraternities, sororities and any other organization on campus including athletic teams and bands. Boudreaux says the proposed law requires schools to provide information about the dangers of hazing.
“It requires hazing prevention education and annual training for advisors and hearing panels. Secondly, it strengthens reporting, accountability and documentation requirements, including anonymous reporting options,” Boudreaux explained.
If a death of a student results from hazing, the organization involved would be banned from campus forever. And any school that violates the Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act would not be allowed to seek funding for construction projects from the Bond Commission for two years. Boudreaux told the Senate this legislation could prevent another hazing death.
“I respectfully ask for your support so we can honor Caleb’s memory with meaningful action and better protection as we move forward,” Boudreaux said.
The Senate approved the legislation 37-0, and the measure goes back to the House for approval of House changes. The anti-hazing law has already received unanimous support from the House.