By Carolina Hernandez Calderon, Writer | September 18, 2024
Photo courtesy of Mrs. Devercelly
Many people suffer from hazing, and unfortunately, this is an issue that has been going on for years.
Recently, a teacher at Carson High School has been trying to pass an anti-hazing bill which would allow more voices to be heard
Despite the seriousness of this issue, over 60% of CHS students polled are unaware of hazing.
The tragedy is that over 1.5 million high school students are hazed each year according to "Anti Hazing at UCF¨.
First, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what hazing is exactly.
The news article ¨California Hazing Law" posted by Stophazing.org stated, “Hazing means any method of initiation or preinitiation into a student organization or student body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, which is likely to cause serious bodily injury to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university, or other educational institution in this state.”
Because of the seriousness of hazing, CHS mathematics teacher Mrs. Devercelly and a select group of students from the class of 2024 created an anti-hazing mural located between the J and H buildings.
Mrs. Devercelly, who tragically lost her son due to hazing, is also helping to pass the Anti-Hazing Bill.
“Hazing happens on the spectrum, and a lot of times parents aren't aware that their child is a victim of hazing because it's kind of a secrecy,” said Mrs. Devercelly.
Her personal experience has opened up a new chapter in her life that will hopefully allow people to understand what hazing is and help out victims of hazing and their families who feel as if they are not heard.
¨There's so much pressure on them (students) that this is how we do things, and if you want to be a part of it you're gonna have to do it,” said Mrs. Devercelly. “They feel like they're going to be signaled out if they say something, but in reality, if one person who is seeing it and stands up for them…a lot of times their strength in numbers typically happens over time.¨
The courage exhibited by Mrs. Devercelly requires a village of courageous support.
Mr. Kitani, a PE teacher at CHS, stated, ¨Hazing affects families by impacting them in a negative way. People do not speak up because they are afraid to report it, in general. If the person doing the hazing finds out, it can get worse. People just rather not be seen as snitches.¨
The first step is understanding the graveness of hazing.
“Hazing is a form of bullying. Consequences should be enforced when it comes to hazing. The people who cause hazing don’t suffer much consequences and that sucks,” said CHS senior Ta’nya Worthy.
People all around the world want to be heard regarding hazing, and this is what Mrs. Devercelly has been tirelessly working toward for more than 15 years.
A lot of individuals are taking a stand with Devercelly, believing that justice should be served, and that the people doing the hazing should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
Bill HR 5646, spearheaded by Mrs. Devercelly, is the bipartisan “Stop Campus Hazing Act” that passed in the House and will advance to the Senate awaiting an official signature by President Biden in November in order to become law.
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