McNamara Anti-Hazing Bill Filed for 2026

STATE HOUSE — Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston) has pre-filed legislation that would create a statewide anti-hazing policy for Rhode Island public schools.

Pre-filing is a process states use to allow legislation to be filed prior to the official start of a state’s legislative session.  McNamara’s legislation would compel the Department of Education to develop the policy in conjunction with the Rhode Island Interscholastic League, establishing zero tolerance for hazing and ensuring discipline that is transparent and consistent, according to a statement from the RI Legislative Press and Public Information Bureau.

“As a retired educator, coach and former student athlete, I can state without reservation that hazing is degrading, abusive and dangerous,” said Representative McNamara, 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.”

Anti-hazing policy bill responds to recent school incidents

The proposed legislation comes on the heels of an incident at Smithfield High School where five seniors locked 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.

Representative McNamara has forwarded the proposed legislation to the Department of Education and the Interscholastic League for their input. Under the proposal as it stands now, sanctions and penalties would be imposed on students and student-athletes who engage in hazing incidents, and could include suspension from a team, and where appropriate, cancelation of a team’s season.

“We need a statewide policy where every student-athlete, coach and administrator will understand that these behaviors will no longer be acceptable and there will be consequences to both athletes and teams,” said Representative McNamara. “I look forward to the feedback from the Department of Education and the Rhode Island Interscholastic League before I introduce this bill in January.”

Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at editor@warwickpost.com with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.