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'It was an absolute win for us': Foltz family’s fight for zero-tolerance on hazing

Fourteen presidents from Ohio’s public universities announced an initiative to eradicate hazing on Monday.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Since the death of Stone Foltz, Shari and Cory Foltz have pushed for zero-tolerance for hazing on university campuses.

Foltz died on March 7, days after an alleged hazing involving alcohol at a Pi Kappa Alpha event off-campus on March 4.

Seven members of the Bowling Green State University fraternity have been charged in connection to his death.

There is currently a separate civil case against the fraternity and some of its members.

Shari and Cory Foltz could have ended their efforts there but promised their son they would do everything in their power to prevent another student from a similar fate.

On Monday, 14 presidents from Ohio’s public universities announced an initiative to eradicate hazing. It’s the zero-tolerance push from the Foltz family that made this happen, according to the Inter-University Council of Ohio Council of Presidents.

“Thanks for helping us make this promise to our son Stone,” said Cory Foltz at the podium of the news conference.

“There is a very important day in our effort of getting rid of hazing across college campuses,” said Shari Foltz. “Hazing is abuse and should not be tolerated in any form.”

IUC Anti-Hazing Principles:

  • Automatic dismissal of any student convicted of criminal hazing and debarment from attending any other Ohio public university in accordance with the law.
  • Working with law enforcement as a vital partner in combatting hazing.
  • Strengthening the role of advisors to student organizations.
  • Educating families and alumni on hazing, including where and how you report it.
  • Improving the substance and delivery of anti-hazing education for students.
  • Providing data on hazing violations to inform students’ decisions about joining organizations.
  • Offering a personal outlet for reporting hazing.

Governor Mike DeWine said Ohio’s private schools and colleges are creating a similar initiative, but it has not been rolled out.

“It was an absolute win for us. It's a step in the right direction,” said Shari Foltz. “This is something since day one when Stone was in his hospital bed, we made a promise to him that we would do everything that we possibly could to prevent this from happening to another family.”

The Foltz’s say Monday’s announcement is only part of their continued fight for zero-tolerance on hazing.

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