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Public Colleges Have New Principles to Prevent Hazing on Campuses

Cory and Shari Foltz speak at Ohio Statehouse
Jo Ingles
/
Statehouse News Bureau
Cory and Shari Foltz, the parents of Bowling Green State University student Stone Foltz who died as a result of hazing, speak at the Ohio Statehouse Monday.

Ohio has a new lawthat stiffens penalties for people convicted of hazing at the state’s college campuses. Now, the public colleges themselves are taking actions to prevent hazing. 

The Inter-University Council, which represents Ohio’s public universities, has what it says is a zero-tolerance approach to hazing. It includes, among other things, automatic dismissal of students who are guilty of hazing.

BGSU President Rodney Rogers talks at Ohio Statehouse
Jo Ingles
/
Statehouse News Bureau
BGSU President Rodney Rogers talks about anti-hazing principles.

Rodney Rogers, president of Bowling Green State University, says this is "a logical next step" after Ohio lawmakers passed a new law to crack down on hazing that Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law earlier this month.

"We will help eradicate hazing," Rogers said. "That is our goal."

Cory Foltz, the father of Stone Foltz, who died following a hazing incident at BGSU earlier this year, urges college presidents to enforce the plan. 

“We are counting on you to never leave any one of your students behind so no other family will ever endure the pain of losing a loved one like we did. Please, no more deaths from hazing," Cory Foltz said.

The university anti-hazing principles also include going after student groups that encourage hazing and educating students, parents and alumni about the dangers associated with it. 
Copyright 2021 The Statehouse News Bureau. To see more, visit The Statehouse News Bureau.

Jo Ingles
Jo Ingles is a professional journalist who covers politics and Ohio government for the Ohio Public Radio and Television for the Ohio Public Radio and Television Statehouse News Bureau. She reports on issues of importance to Ohioans including education, legislation, politics, and life and death issues such as capital punishment.