RI Rep pre-files anti-hazing bill in General Assembly following alleged Smithfield, Newport incidents

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A pair of high-profile hazing/bullying incidents have led to a new General Assembly bill to combat the phenomena.

Democratic State Rep. Joe McNamara has pre-filed legislation calling for a “zero tolerance” policy on hazing in state schools.

The bill would require the Rhode Island education department to collaborate with the Interscholastic League to craft the policy.

The Interscholastic League is a regulatory agency for high school athletic programs.

McNamara’s bill comes in the wake of an alleged antisemitic hazing and assault incident at Smithfield High School in October.

More recently, four Newport high school students have been charged with assault after police viewed cellphone video of the students allegedly assaulting a student with severe impairments.