Final answer:
The Chad Meredith Act is the law that prohibits hazing in the state of Florida, enacted in 2005 after the death of a student named Chad Meredith. It classifies serious hazing as a felony and less severe hazing as a misdemeanor, aiming to ensure the safety of students in various organizations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hazing Law in Florida
The law that made hazing illegal in the state of Florida is known as the Chad Meredith Act. This law was enacted in 2005 following the death of Chad Meredith, a University of Miami student who drowned in 2001 while being hazed during a fraternity event. The Chad Meredith Act makes hazing, which results in serious bodily injury or death while associated with the initiation into or affiliation with any organization, illegal. This legislation is significant as it represents a strong stance against hazing practices, promoting the safety and well-being of students in educational institutions.
Under the Chad Meredith Act, individuals who participate in hazing activities that result in serious harm are subject to felony charges, while hazing that does not result in serious harm can be treated as a misdemeanor. This law is crucial in establishing a non-tolerant environment towards such hazardous activities and underscores the importance of accountability and responsibility in the context of student organizations and teams.