At the age of 19, our beautiful son and brother, Harrison Kowiak, lost his life senselessly to a fraternity hazing. He was attending Lenoir Rhyne University on an academic and golf scholarship. 

No parent should ever send their child off to college and not have them come home. No one should have to die to belong to an organization. Hazing causes physical and emotional harm. For the survivors, the long-term after-effects are similar to PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). 

The loss of a son/sibling/grandchild/cousin/nephew/best friend is devastating. Harrison had so much potential, a life tragically taken from him at 19. Sadly, nothing will bring him back. This is why I speak on college campuses across the country sharing Harrison's story. TOGETHER, we must stand up to hazing to ensure this doesn't happen again and again. 

The laws in North Carolina need to be strengthened to deter individuals from hazing. Basically, those involved in Harrison's hazing received a "slap on the hand", it was a misdemeanor. I wanted to see Harrison graduate from college and secure his first job, and marry and have children one day. All of that was taken away from him.  

In 2008 when Harrison died from his injuries on a field off campus, he was tackled multiple times and was severely injured from a traumatic brain injury. I implore you to call 911 should there be an emergency. Don't waste precious minutes wondering what to do! Your actions to call 911 could possibly save a life!

Hazing happens as young as middle school through high school and college and it's not limited to fraternity and sorority life. It happens in the military, athletics, performing arts groups, bands, camps, etc. 

Not taking action now in strengthening the North Carolina hazing laws can lead to more hazing injuries and deaths. We must stand up to hazing to ensure the safety of students. The hazing bill in Harrison's name will hold individuals accountable for their actions. Individuals and loved ones will be able to research an organization at a university to see if they have any infractions. Greater transparency will enable individuals to make informed decisions as to whether or not they want to join an organization. 

Tougher hazing laws in North Carolina will make individuals think twice about hazing others if they know they could be charged with a felony or serve time in jail and jeopardize their future with a record. 

The time to act is NOW, before the NC legislation reconvenes in January 2023. This bill needs to be voted upon swiftly to ensure no one else is injured or dies from senseless hazing.

Please support me and my family in our efforts to create a safer environment for university students in N.C.  

Thank you.

https://www.antihazingcoalition.org/