Two Alpha Delta Pi alumnae members, Rae Ann Gruver, Zeta Nu-Clemson and Evelyn Piazza, Omega Alpha-Alumnae Initiates, have worked diligently to spread awareness on the dangers of hazing since 2017.
In February 2017, Evelyn Piazza and her husband, Jim, lost their son Tim to a hazing incident at Penn State. Later that same year, Rae Ann Gruver and her husband, Steve, lost their son Max to a hazing incident at Louisiana State University. Both families have since established foundations to honor their sons, shared their stories with audiences across the country, and lobbied for legislation to end hazing. In December 2024, the first federal anti-hazing bill, the Stop Campus Hazing Act, was signed into law. This bill marked a significant step toward protecting college students and eliminating hazing from college campuses. By increasing transparency about hazing incidents, accountability and risk prevention measures, this law has the power to prevent future acts of hazing on college campuses.
Evelyn Piazza and Rae Ann Gruver addressing the 2022 Grand Convention body in Orlando, FL.
Alpha Delta Pi sisters have embraced this cause and annually in September members across every collegiate chapter participate in National Hazing Prevention Week and Alpha Delta Pi’s #StopTheHazing Campaign.
The #StopTheHazing campaign, in partnership with the Max Gruver Foundation and with support from the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation, equips every
member with specific tools and training for bystander intervention, teaches members how to identify and report incidents of hazing, and helps spread awareness of the dangers of hazing across college campuses.
“The campaign’s resources and sessions sparked critical conversations, equipping our members with the knowledge and confidence to recognize, address, and prevent harmful behaviors. Participants shared that they felt more prepared to take a stand against hazing and to foster a culture of respect, integrity, and care—values at the core of Alpha Delta Pi.”
– Shannon Hicks Bowsher, Director of Learning and Development
Ultimately, the #StopTheHazing Campaign aims to create a culture where all forms of hazing are universally recognized as unacceptable. The #StopTheHazing Campaign resources available to chapters include:
As Alpha Delta Pi members, we know hazing has no place in our sisterhood. We are thankful for the continued education Evelyn and Rae Ann provide to campus communities and for the ongoing partnership between the Max Gruver Foundation, the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation, and Alpha Delta Pi Sorority to provide hazing prevention resources for our members.
National Hazing Prevention Week (NHPW) is a time when communities, institutions, organizations, and individuals make a concerted effort to raise awareness and increase education about hazing. NHPW is officially held the last full week of September each year. To learn more about hazing prevention, visit: https://hazingpreventionnetwork.org/
If you or someone you know is concerned about hazing, you can report it by calling the Anti-Hazing Hotline, an anonymous telephone line for anyone to report a suspected or recent hazing incident, at 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293). The Hotline accepts calls 24 hours a day. Learn more about the Anti-Hazing Hotline here: https://fraternallaw.com/help-us-stop-hazing
The Timothy J. Piazza Memorial Foundation provides support to those who are in need of prosthetic devices (in particular children). To learn more, visit: https://www.liveliketim.org/
The Max Gruver Foundation exists to make sure hazing-related deaths do not continue. To learn more, visit: https://www.maxgruverfoundation.com/
A full release from National Panhellenic Conference about the Stop Campus Hazing Act can be found, here: https://npcwomen.org/stop-campus-hazing-act-signed-into-law/
