The Legacy of Tucker Hipps: South Carolina’s Fight Against Hazing | Transparency & Change

For many in South Carolina, the name Tucker Hipps symbolizes the painful reality of hazing—and the push for lasting reform. Tucker was a 19-year-old Clemson University student and Sigma Phi Epsilon pledge who tragically died in 2014 during a fraternity run. His death sparked outrage, activism, and ultimately, the passage of the Tucker Hipps Transparency Act, requiring public colleges to report hazing and misconduct in fraternities and sororities.

47% of students are hazed before they enter college. 3 in 5 college students are subjected to hazing. -according to StopHazing.org

But the fight isn’t over. Data presented at the S.C. Hazing Prevention Summit shows hazing is still happening—and much of it goes unreported. The summit featured groundbreaking research from Hazing.info, the first free national hazing database, and revealed gaps in what we know and what’s being done.

Now, with the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act becoming law, there’s a new chance to close loopholes, include private schools, and hold more student organizations accountable—from sports teams to marching bands.

Commentary: New data show SC’s hazing problem Is broader than you think – Post and Courier

Elizabeth Allan, Ph.D., is the principal of StopHazing.org, a leading research and prevention organization. She is a professor at the University of Maine in Orono, where the Hazing Prevention Research Lab partnership is located.  Dr Allan joined me on The Mike Gallagher Show recently to discuss her work and the need to continue to gather the data schools across the country to show the true story on campus hazing.

Take a minute to watch the segment HERE:

This video explores:

• The life and legacy of Tucker Hipps

• The origins and impact of the Tucker Hipps Transparency Act

• How South Carolina and the nation are responding to hazing today

• What still needs to change

Learn more about Tucker Hipps and his story

The Tucker Hipps Memorial Foundationis making a difference in South Carolina. Tucker’s parents, Cindy and Gary Hipps, wish to continue his legacy by giving to those areas that Tucker cherished. Scholarships have been set up in his name for young men and these are awarded through different avenues to deserving young men who have shown leadership abilities and who attend/have attended boys state.  Visit TuckerGives.org to see the impact they are having many charitable organizations in SC. 

#HazingPrevention #TuckerHipps #CampusSafety #FraternityReform #SCNews #CollegeAccountability #TransparencyMatters

Interview appeared The Mike Gallagher Show on the Salem News Channel on May 23, 2025.

Posted By: Joey Hudson