The family attorney of a fraternity pledge who was left debilitated from hazing cheers expressed that the new law is a good start but not enough.

The family of Danny Santulli, a former University of Missouri student who suffered severe injuries during a fraternity hazing ritual in 2021, is thrilled about the passage of the Stop Campus Hazing Act.

In late December, a bipartisan bill was signed into law by President Biden, who was introduced to it by Democrat Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana.

"David Bianchi, the Santulli family attorney, stated on Planet Chronicle Digital that the new law is beneficial and will aid in reducing hazing incidents on campus. The law mandates universities to report annual hazing statistics and make them accessible on their websites. Additionally, it requires universities to implement anti-hazing programs, which is a positive step towards preventing such incidents."

For the first time, the federal government has weighed in on the issue of hazing.

During his freshman year at Mizzou, Santulli was required to drink a full bottle of vodka with his eyes closed while pledging for Phi Gamma Delta, followed by beer.

"Before midnight, Danny passed out on a couch. No one helped him. Later, members found him unconscious and realized he was in trouble, but instead of calling 911, they picked him up and dropped him on his head on their way out."

The hazing ritual left Santulli blind, unable to walk and unable to communicate. Now, his parents care for him 24 hours a day, as per Bianchi's law firm, Stewart, Tilghman, Fox, Bianchi & Cain P.A.

"Bianchi stated that none of the families involved want to see a similar occurrence happen to someone else, and they support one another. Although they tried to push for the law, it took a considerable amount of time to pass. While it's a positive step, they believe there is still room for improvement."

Bianchi advocates for the law to include penalties for those accused of hazing on college campuses in order to discourage students from engaging in such harmful behavior.

"If [students] think that they're just going to get a slap on the wrist if they haze somebody, then they're not going to change their behavior." — David Bianchi, attorney

"The attorney stated that in order to convince the fraternity members involved in hazing, there must be severe consequences if they continue with the activity. These consequences should include immediate expulsion from the university, the fraternity, and title prosecution. Anything less than this will not change their behavior."

Thomas Santulli, Danny's father, revealed that his family plans to support the passage of Danny's Law, which would protect students from being charged with hazing felonies if they report incidents to authorities.

Eleven Mizzou students were charged by Boone County authorities for their involvement in the hazing incident that resulted in Santulli's blindness and paralysis. Six of the defendants accepted plea deals.

Phi Gamma Delta has since been shut down at the University of Missouri.