The family of Danny Santulli, a former University of Missouri student who suffered life-altering injuries during a fraternity hazing incident in 2021, is celebrating the recent enactment of the Stop Campus Hazing Act. This bipartisan legislation, signed into law by President Biden, marks a significant step in addressing the pervasive issue of hazing on college campuses.

The new law mandates universities to publicly disclose annual hazing statistics on their websites and implement anti-hazing programs. This represents the first federal intervention in the realm of hazing, offering a glimmer of hope for change.

Daniel Santulli sustained severe brain damage during the hazing incident. (Tom Santulli)

Santulli's ordeal began during a pledge event for the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He was forced to consume an excessive amount of alcohol while blindfolded, ultimately leading to his collapse. Instead of seeking immediate medical attention, fraternity members attempted to transport him themselves, dropping him on his head in the process. The resulting cardiac arrest and subsequent brain damage left Santulli blind, paralyzed, and unable to communicate.

Danny Santulli's condition after the hazing incident. (The Santulli Family)

While the Santulli family applauds the Stop Campus Hazing Act, their legal representative, David Bianchi, believes more action is necessary. He advocates for stricter penalties for those involved in hazing, including expulsion from the university and fraternity, as well as criminal prosecution. Bianchi argues that weak repercussions fail to deter students from engaging in harmful hazing practices.

The Santulli family supports the new anti-hazing law. (The Santulli Family)

"If students believe they'll only receive a minor punishment for hazing, their behavior won't change," Bianchi emphasized.

— David Bianchi, attorney

The Santulli family is also pushing for "Danny's Law," which would grant immunity from hazing charges to students who call 911 for help during such incidents. This measure aims to encourage bystander intervention and potentially save lives.

Danny Santulli before the incident. (The Santulli Family)

Eleven students were charged in connection with the hazing incident, with six accepting plea deals. The Phi Gamma Delta fraternity has been removed from the University of Missouri campus.