Senator Art Haywood’s anti-hazing legislation, announced in September as a response to the hazing and abuse of a Cheltenham High School student, has been passed.
According to Megan Sharkey, Haywood’s Communications Director, a press conference will be held on Tuesday, October 27 at 3:00pm outside of Cheltenham High School to announce the passage. Haywood will be joined by State Rep. Napoleon Nelson (D-Montco), Cheltenham Superintendent Chris McGinley, and Cheltenham High School Principal Ben Hammond.
The legislation makes hazing a mandated reportable offense.
“It passed as an amendment sponsored by Sen. Lisa Baker (R) that was added to house legislation on child special abuse material (Rep. Nikki Rivera’s bill),” Sharkey told Glenside Local in an email. “Bipartisan collaboration and community advocacy made this legislation pass in ~3 months which is a major milestone.
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 previously 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.”
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