As part of the settlement, both Stonefoltz’s family and the university said. They would work to address and drop the dust on college campuses.
The family of a student who died of alcohol poisoning. While pledging a fraternity will receive nearly. $3 million from Bowling Green State University to settle his hazing-related lawsuit. According to a settlement announced Monday.
As part of the settlement, both Stonefoltz’s family. And the university said they would work to address. And drop the dust on college campuses. Foltz’s parents started a foundatio n focused. On it and spoke to other university students about its dangers.
“We can continue to fight to save lives,” said Shari Foltz, whose son died of alcohol poisoning in March 2021.
The 20-year-old attended a fraternity initiation. Event where it was a tradition for new members to finish or attempt. To finish a bottle of alcohol, according to a university investigation. Foltz, from Delaware, Ohio, was found unconscious. After members of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity dumped him in his apartment.
“This resolution spares the Foltz family and the BGSU community. From years of reliving the tragedy in courtrooms and allows us to focus on furthering. Our shared mission to drop hazing in Ohio and across the country. Leading these efforts in our communities is the real work that honors Stone.” The statement said.
The settlement with the university tops more. Than $7 million awarded to the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. And the families of those who played a role in the hazing, according to court documents.
Eight former fraternity members either pleaded guilty. Or pleaded guilty to various charges, including reckless homicide. Hazing and furnishing alcohol to a minor. Two of the eight, but, were acquitted last year of more serious charges. Including involuntary manslaughter and reckless homicide. Their defense attorneys argued that Foltz was not forced or required. To finish the entire bottle and that he made the decision on his own.
In their lawsuit, Foltz’s parents accuse the school of failing to stop hazing. Between fraternities and sororities despite knowing about it.
Their attorney, Rex Elliott, said Monday that the university is making. An effort to prevent another tragedy from happening. And that colleges nationwide must play a role in reforming. How fraternity and sorority members recruit new members.
“Greek organizations will not survive if hazing does not end,” Elliott said. “Hazing and pledge programs are a relic of the past.”
After the hazing deaths, Bowling Green expelled Pi Kappa Alpha. And said it would never be recognized on campus again. The university also developed a plan to address anti-hazing efforts. Including hiring a prevention coordinator. And making it easier for students to tell the school about hazing.
Stone Foltz’s death spurred changes beyond Bowling Green. Including a new state law that created tougher criminal penalties for hazing. A proposal first created in 2018 after an Ohio University student died. After ingesting nitrous oxide at a fraternity house.
