Upstate students start petition calling for reform to SC hazing legislation

During National Hazing Prevention Week, Furman University’s Savannah Hobbie, a senior communication studies and politics and international affairs major, was interviewed about a petition she launched to urge South Carolina lawmakers to take a tougher stance on hazing. Wednesday, Sept. 22, marked the seventh anniversary of the alleged hazing-related death of Clemson University student Tucker Hipps who fell from a bridge during an early morning run with fraternity pledges.

Along with Hobbie, Hipps’ cousin, Furman communication studies major Rachael Vasquez ’22, was interviewed by WYFF News4. She said it will take more than legislation to curb hazing events on campuses. “It’s going to first start with [students] standing up for their peers,” Vasquez said.

At last count, Hobbie’s petition has garnered 900 signatures. Read more about efforts to heighten awareness of the Hipps case and hazing in The Greenville News. Hobbie also contributed an article about hazing on Her Campus.