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6/24/2026
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New law creates zero tolerance policies for school sports hazing incidents
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STATE HOUSE — Legislation introduced by Rep. Joseph M. McNamara and Sen. Matthew L. LaMountain that would create a statewide anti-hazing policy for Rhode Island public schools has been signed into law.
The law (2026-H 7003, 2026-S 2495), which will compel the Department of Education to develop the policy in conjunction with the Rhode Island Interscholastic League, will establish zero tolerance for hazing and ensure discipline that is transparent and consistent.
“As a retired educator, coach and former student athlete, I can state without reservation that hazing is degrading, abusive and dangerous,” said Representative McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston), who chairs the House Education Committee. “We’ve all worked hard to make schools safer, more welcoming and more inclusive. Athletics should not be an exception to that rule. Regardless of what form it takes, hazing creates an environment of trauma and humiliation, and we have to take it more seriously.”
The new law comes on the heels of an incident at Smithfield High School where five seniors trapped a freshman in the bathroom while spraying him with Lysol, and another at Rogers High School in Newport where four teens were arrested for assaulting a student with special needs in a locker room.
“The guiding principle behind this bill and the policy it would create is that hazing, bullying and harassment have no place in any school environment,” said Senator LaMountain (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “School sports and other activities are designed to build self-esteem in young people, not tear it down. This will go a long way toward establishing a firm, anti-hazing culture in our schools.”
Under the law, the policy will include a statewide definition of hazing. In addition, sanctions and penalties would be imposed on students and student-athletes who engage in hazing incidents, and could include suspension from a team, as well as team-level consequences, which could include the cancelation of a team’s season. The policy will also include a requirement that each student-athlete sign an acknowledgement that a violation of the policy may result in the imposition of penalties and sanctions.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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