An opinion piece by an anonymous university student and employee calling for abolishing the Greek system at Bowling Green State University, drew a critical response from a university trustee.
Trustee Howard Traul II’s opinion piece supporting the Greek system in turn drew a statement from Betty Montgomery who chairs the board stating that the piece was an expression of Traul’s views only.
“While I appreciate the opinions and perspectives of my 13 fellow trustees, this opinion letter is just that – an opinion. The board was not previously aware of this article, and it is not a formal statement on behalf of the Board of Trustees,” Montgomery wrote.
The original op-ed piece by the student was written in response to the death of Stone Foltz in an alleged hazing incident.
In the piece the writer asserts that: “One uncomfortable truth of this matter is that it is going to happen again unless something is done. The other uncomfortable truth is that fraternities themselves are the problem, begging the question, why has nothing been done? Every time a tragedy like this happens we go through the same motions: outrage, ban the organization, and wait until the next tragedy happens at a different fraternity.”
The anonymous writer maintains that fraternities have a long history of abuse and cites the record of hazing deaths.
In a note, the editors of the BG News write: “While we do not normally allow writers to remain anonymous, the author requested their identity not be revealed, as they are employed by BGSU and feared penalty related to the status of their employment.”
Traul begins his piece by writing he is “disappointed” that the piece by the anonymous writer was published, and claims it is “mostly false.”
Foltz’s death was “a horrific tragedy,” he said. “Sadly, however, the problem is not fraternities but instead the problem is underage, overindulgent drinking by naïve young people.”
Hazing, he contends, happens in other campus groups.
He cites his own experience as a fatherless young man who more than 50 years ago found “the bonds of brotherhood” and made “friends for life” in a fraternity at BGSU.
Traul said he learned skills that have helped him in his business and professional life.”
His four children also pledged to Greek organizations.
He called for education on drinking and hazing, and urged the university not to banish the system, because of “one bad apple.”
Montgomery states: “We do not have all the answers about the passing of Stone Foltz. However, we know hazing is intolerable, and we already recognize that Greek life will – and must – be different in the wake of this tragedy. The board will not focus on the distraction of this opinion article. Instead, we are committed to a thorough investigation, seeking the truth and facts, and holding all students and groups responsible. The University has hired an expert, independent third party to elevate our efforts in this conduct investigation, and President Rogers will keep our community updated on our progress.”
