Adam’s Law is the common name of a series of edits to the Virginia Acts of Assembly passed in 2022. It states that current members, potential members and advisers of some organizations are required to have extensive, current and in-person education about hazing, the dangers of hazing (including alcohol intoxication), and hazing laws and institution policies as well as information explaining that the institution’s disciplinary process is not to be considered a substitute for the criminal legal process. 

As part of the Annual Registration Process, each organization will be required to self-identify based on the parameters of the law. Self-identification occurs when an organization distinguishes itself as a closed or open organization. All current members, potential members and adviser(s) of closed organizations will be required to attend hazing prevention training in order to remain an active recognized student organization. All organizational officers of record in the BeInvolved system will receive communication about current training and requirements.  

The Office of Student Accountability & Restorative Practices (OSARP) coordinates the Organizational Accountability Process, which is used to investigate and/or review cases of alleged misconduct for recognized student organizations and student groups, as they are defined in the Student Handbook. Please refer to the Student Handbook and OSARP’s website for more information on: 

• The Organizational Accountability Process 
• The Standards of Conduct & Policies, including the University’s Hazing policy 
• Reporting alleged misconduct to OSARP 
• Individual accountability processes for individual students, including under what circumstances individual disciplinary immunity may be granted 

If you have any questions, please contact Student Life at beinvolved@jmu.edu.