Corpun file 5548

The Washington Post, 14 March 2000

Appeals Court Upholds Hazing Law

A state appeals court has upheld the 1985 law that made hazing a crime.

The Court of Special Appeals affirmed the law while upholding the conviction of a University of Maryland Eastern Shore student who was one of 10 members of the Kappa Alpha Psi chapter accused of paddling and caning five pledges daily for two months as part of a hazing ritual.

The court on Friday rejected Jan-Mikael McKenzie's argument that Maryland's hazing statute was vague and violated his First Amendment rights to free speech, assembly and association.

McKenzie was convicted in Somerset County of hazing and sentenced to 90 days in jail, which was suspended, 18 months' probation and a $500 fine. While other fraternity members were convicted in the hazing case, the appeal involved only McKenzie.