BGSU Settles Hazing Death Lawsuit for $2.9 Million, Addresses Hazing Prevention

January 30, 2023

Bowling Green State University (BGSU) in Ohio has agreed to pay $2.9 million to settle a lawsuit filed by the family of Stone Foltz, a student who died from alcohol poisoning while pledging a fraternity in 2021. The settlement is the largest payout by a public university in a hazing case in the state of Ohio.

Stone Foltz died after attending a Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity event where pledges were allegedly required to drink an entire handle of alcohol before leaving. An autopsy determined Foltz died of fatal ethanol intoxication and his blood alcohol content was .394. Eight men were indicted for their roles in the hazing incident and two were sentenced to jail and house arrest.

In the lawsuit, Foltz’s parents accused BGSU of failing to stop hazing in fraternities and sororities despite being aware of it. The settlement money will be used to support a foundation focused on hazing education started by Foltz’s family. The family and the university agreed to work together to address and eliminate hazing on college campuses. BGSU permanently expelled the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity chapter and developed a plan to address hazing, including hiring a prevention coordinator and making it easier for students to report hazing.

The family’s lawyer praised BGSU for its commitment to stopping hazing and expressed a desire to eliminate the pledge system, which he believes overshadows the social, leadership, and philanthropic work done by Greek organizations.

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Our hearts go out to the Foltz family and all those affected by this tragedy. This settlement serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing and eliminating hazing on college campuses. If you or someone you know is experiencing any issues with their education, don't hesitate to reach out to the lawyers at EducationLawyers.com for legal support and guidance.