BATON ROUGE, La. (5/31/2026) — Gov. Jeff Landry has signed the Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act into law, marking a significant change in Louisiana’s approach to hazing prevention and accountability.
The legislation follows the passage of House Bill 636, authored by Rep. Vanessa LaFleur, D-Baton Rouge. Legislative leaders signed the bill on May 19 before sending it to the governor’s desk.
The Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act redefines hazing under state law. It also requires annual hazing prevention training and increases penalties for student organizations involved in hazing incidents.
Lawmakers named the measure after Caleb Wilson, a Southern University student who died in 2025 during an unsanctioned fraternity hazing ritual.
Investigators said Wilson was punched in the chest while participants wore boxing gloves during the off-campus event. His death sparked calls for stronger hazing laws across Louisiana.
The new law takes effect on Aug. 1.
Earlier this year, Southern University announced it would award Wilson a posthumous degree during its 2026 Spring Commencement ceremony. University leaders made the announcement during a Southern University System Board of Supervisors meeting held on the first anniversary of his death.
Wilson was a junior majoring in mechanical engineering. He also played trumpet in the university’s nationally recognized Human Jukebox Marching Band.
University officials said the degree honors Wilson’s dedication to his studies, his band family, and the Southern University community.
Meanwhile, legal proceedings remain ongoing. Five people have been indicted in connection with Wilson’s death.
The Human Jukebox and the Caleb Wilson Foundation have continued to honor Wilson’s memory. Supporters say his legacy now extends beyond the campus through legislation designed to prevent future hazing tragedies.
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