Senators Art Haywood, whose office is in Abington Township, and Lisa Baker are proposing that hazing be added to the state’s mandatory reporting guidelines following the alleged hazing and abuse of a Cheltenham High School student.

Charges against numerous Cheltenham High School football players and coaches were announced in July. The senators argue that a strengthening of protections for youth is required and that current laws surrounding mandatory reporting are not adequate.

“Currently, hazing is not defined as child abuse under Pennsylvania law. This gap leaves students across the Commonwealth vulnerable in schools, athletic programs, and youth organizations, where adults may be unsure whether or how to report suspected incidents,” Haywood said in a press release. “In the Cheltenham case, the absence of a clear reporting requirement contributed to the mishandling of a serious disclosure of harm, leaving a student unprotected and allowing a broader culture of abuse to persist.”

“With this legislation, we can close a dangerous loophole and better protect young people across Pennsylvania,” Haywood said. “No student should endure the violence or humiliation described in the grand jury report.”

From Senator Haywood’s memo to legislators on September 10:

In the near future, we intend to introduce legislation to add hazing to Pennsylvania’s mandatory reporting guidelines.

In light of the Montgomery County Grand Jury’s recent report detailing the alleged hazing and abuse of a Cheltenham High School student, it is imperative that the General Assembly act swiftly to strengthen protections for Pennsylvania’s youth. The findings make clear that gaps in current mandatory reporting laws allowed school personnel to mishandle a serious disclosure of harm, leaving a vulnerable student unprotected and enabling a broader culture of abuse to persist.

Hazing is not currently considered child abuse under Pennsylvania law, despite its well‑documented physical and psychological dangers. This omission creates a perilous gap that places young people at risk across schools, sports teams, and youth organizations statewide. Clarifying that hazing must be reported would ensure accountability, empower adults to report concerns without ambiguity, and help prevent future tragedies.

By acting now, the General Assembly can provide clarity for educators and coaches, strengthen statewide child‑protection standards, and help ensure that no student in the Commonwealth endures the violence, humiliation, or fear experienced in Cheltenham. Pennsylvania’s young people deserve safe environments where they can learn, grow, and participate without risk. Please join us in cosponsoring this legislation.

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Photo: Senator Haywood