BGSU, community react to tragic fraternity hazing incident

Alexandra Mester, The Blade, Toledo, Ohio
·2 min read

Mar. 7—BOWLING GREEN — The Greek letters marking the home of Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity at Bowling Green State University were removed Sunday following a hazing incident that now has the family of one of the organization's new recruits in the process of donating his organs.

"I know it's happened at other universities in the past, but I didn't think the BG was that kind of university," freshman Dylan Griev said on Sunday. "It was pretty shocking."

Stone J. Foltz, 20, of a Columbus suburb, was previously identified as the victim by the family's attorney, Sean Alto. He said Saturday the family was going through the process of donating his organs and may issue comment at a later date.

Mr. Foltz was identified as an "unreported new member," or someone who has not gone through the initiation process. He was seeking to join Pi Kappa Alpha's Delta Beta Chapter at BGSU — commonly known as "Pike." The fraternity has since been placed on interim suspension, meaning the institution cannot participate in regular activities.

"Given that Pi Kappa Alpha is not currently recognized as a registered student organization, the fraternity's Greek letters were removed from its on-campus residence this morning," a university statement issued Sunday said.

Local and university law enforcement are continuing to investigate the off-campus incident that Mr. Alto said involved alcohol. Late Saturday, the university also suspended all recruiting and social activities for fraternities and sororities on campus in the interim.

"I think that's definitely appropriate, and I hope they do more," Mr. Griev said. "I think [the university is] taking their time to pick apart what's happened. I hope the punishment is appropriate to what's happened. I feel really bad for the kid and his family."

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The North American Interfraternity Conference, the national trade association of college fraternities, also released a statement Sunday.

"While the circumstances surrounding this incident at Bowling Green State is still under investigation, we must be clear that hazing is a betrayal of the fraternal vows to which every member commits and has no place on campus," the statement said. "When hard alcohol is added to the mix, it is a formula for tragedy."

Check back for updates.