Hazing victim's parents urge change in campus culture
Jul. 26—COLUMBUS — The parents of a Bowling Green State University student who died in March following a fraternity event urged presidents of Ohio colleges and universities to go beyond focusing on hazing's consequences and instead create a new culture.
"We must also find ways to prevent this behavior from occurring in the first place and create a new culture of what is acceptable when students decide to join new groups on campus," said Shari Foltz, mother of Stone Foltz, 20, of Delaware, Ohio.
Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning following a Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity event at an off-campus apartment in Bowling Green.
The presidents of Ohio's 14 public institutions of higher learning gathered Monday to present a united front in announcing new policies about reporting incidents of hazing on campus and penalties that students and sponsoring organizations may face.
"You need to bring a heightened awareness among your students to the dangers of hazing and how the lack of looking out for fellow students can end a young life early, maybe even their own," said Stone's father, Cory Foltz. "We need all of you as leaders and mentors to these young men and women to ensure that your campus is safe for them to learn and live their lives."
The policies are a result of Senate Bill 126, which Gov. Mike DeWine signed earlier this month. It is dubbed Collin's Law for an 18-year-old Ohio University student from Dublin, Ohio who died in 2018 from asphyxiation after inhaling a canister of nitrous oxide as part of a fraternity initiation.
Stone Foltz's death added pressure on lawmakers to act swiftly this session after a similar bill stalled last session.
The law required Chancellor of Higher Education Randy Gardner, a former state senator and representative from Bowling Green, to develop a statewide anti-hazing plan that could serve as a model for individual schools.
Each college and university in Ohio must adopt policies related to reporting hazing and penalties for violations, such as fines or withholding diplomas or transcripts for students or the suspension of revocation of the right of a fraternity, sorority, or other organization to operate on campus.
Beginning in January, 2023, institutions of higher education must issue annual reports detailing incidents on campus and the consequences of those incidents.
Among other things, the "zero tolerance" general principles agreed to so far would lead to the automatic dismissal of any student convicted of criminal hazing, and that student would be prohibited from attending any other public university in Ohio.
The schools must work with law enforcement and educate students, families, and alumni on hazing and the need to report incidents.
"To change the culture is tough, but it's something we are going to change in the state," Governor DeWine said.
In addition to increasing criminal penalties for engaging in or tolerating hazing, Senate Bill 126 also required colleges and universities — public and private — to develop policies to discourage such activities and expanded the list of those legally required to report suspected hazing at primary and secondary schools as well as colleges.
"We will help eradicate hazing," BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. "That is our goal, and BGSU remains committed to working with Chancellor Gardener, all or our peers, the Foltz family, and anyone across the state and nation who shares in this mission."
First Published July 26, 2021, 3:54pm
