Bowling Green State University has retained David DeVillers, a former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, as a special counsel to assist in the investigation of the death of Stone Foltz, 20, in an alleged hazing accident.
Foltz is alleged to have died from drinking an excessive amount of alcohol at an off-campus gathering believed to be hosted by the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.
The university has suspended the fraternity and put all other Greek organization activities on hold as it studies hazing on campus.
DeVillers, now of the firm Barnes & Thornburg, was in charge of the office that led the investigation and indictment of Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder in a $61 million bribery scandal.
The statement issued this morning, Alex Solis, spokesperson for BGSU said that BGSU is working with local law enforcement, “who are actively investigating this incident,” as well as conducting its own student code of conduct investigation.
“Recognizing the seriousness of this situation, BGSU has engaged an expert, independent third party to assist with the conduct investigation,” the statement said.
DeVillers appointment was approved by State Attorney General David Yost.
In the statement President Rodney Rogers stated: “BGSU will complete a thorough and fair investigation, seeking the truth and facts, and holding all students and groups responsible.”
The statement continues: “BGSU also recognizes that hazing may not be limited to this single incident or group. In an effort to increase accountability and transparency, the University is finalizing a partnership with Dyad Strategies to conduct a broader review of fraternity and sorority life and other student organizations and activities. BGSU’s goal is to get a clearer understanding of student life culture, and this external group will provide their report, which will be shared with the community. The University is committed to keeping our community updated regarding this collective process.”
The complete campus-wide email from President Rodney Rogers is below:
Upon learning of the alleged hazing incident, BGSU took immediate action to place Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity on interim suspension. The University suspended all new member intake processes and on- and off-campus social events of chapters in our four Greek councils. BGSU also instituted additional measures to provide for a safe restart and recommit plan for our Greek chapters.
Currently, BGSU is assisting local law enforcement, who are actively investigating this incident, and we are conducting our own student code of conduct investigation. Recognizing the seriousness of this situation, BGSU has engaged an expert, independent third party to assist with the conduct investigation. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has approved the appointment of special counsel David DeVillers, a former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio at the firm of Barnes & Thornburg. BGSU will complete a thorough and fair investigation, seeking the truth and facts, and holding all students and groups responsible.
BGSU also recognizes that hazing may not be limited to this single incident or group. In an effort to increase accountability and transparency, the University is finalizing a partnership with Dyad Strategies to conduct a broader review of fraternity and sorority life and other student organizations and activities. BGSU’s goal is to get a clearer understanding of student life culture, and this external group will provide their report, which will be shared with the community. The University is committed to keeping our community updated regarding this collective process.
Bowling Green State University is about community and belonging. These proactive actions are not to punish fraternities, sororities or our student organizations. BGSU recognizes that not all students involved in Greek life are contributing to hazing. The University values students who have found a home in their organizations. However, our community can, must and will improve. Hard work lies ahead. The BGSU community will come together to move forward and strive to make sure we never experience this devastation again.
In addition, President Rogers will host roundtable discussions with students in the coming weeks focusing on BGSU’s anti-hazing efforts.
BGSU believes hazing is absolutely intolerable. If you experience, witness or hear about hazing in any form, report it immediately. You can report online on the BGSU website, on the BGSU app or by calling 419-372-HAZE (4293). The University and law enforcement will follow up and take swift action.”
