By DAVID DUPONT
BG Independent News
Less than a year after the hazing death of Stone Foltz, Bowling Green State University has issued long-term suspensions for two fraternities.
Both fraternities, Delta Chi and Phi Delta Theta, were already facing sanctions when the actions that prompted the suspensions occurred.
Delta Chi was suspended for a year in summer, 2021, for a hazing incident. It now will be suspended until fall, 2026.
University spokesperson Alex Solis issued the following statement: “Since the suspension, the University received many concerning reports regarding the off-campus activity of this unrecognized student organization and its members. To be clear, the University will not tolerate behavior that disregards the Code of Student Conduct and the health and safety of those students involved, and BGSU has extended this chapter’s suspension to fall 2026.”
The Foltz family and its attorney, however, are calling for more forceful action in both cases.
Phi Delta Theta was also not in good standing. It was under deferred suspension for incidents that occurred last April. It was under investigation because of a large party with about 60 attendees at 411 N. Enterprise Street, on Oct. 9-10, when another party involving 40 people occurred.
In both cases, numerous people, including those underage required medical attention because of overconsumption of alcohol.
“The fact that the organization hosted another event with alcohol, shows complete disregard for BGSU policies as well as a disregard for the well-being of others,” read the code of conduct letter to the fraternity from Michael Botts, assistant dean of students.
Phi Delta Theta will also lose its house in the Greek Village.
Despite being suspended, Delta Chi continued to function at two off-campus houses, 217 and 223 N. Prospect St. Though the fraternity had been suspended, the international headquarters had allowed the chapter to retain its charter and continue operating.
The code of conduct letter sent early this month, cited a dozen incidents, most involving the BG police, at the houses between Aug. 8 and Oct. 29.
Those included hazing in which respective members were forced to consume hot sauce and trespass on private property as well as several nuisance parties.
In order to be considered for reinstatement, the fraternity must be dormant for four years. That requires the international headquarters to remove the local charter.
Also, no one who is currently a member or a local advisor may be affiliated with the chapter when it seeks reinstatement. The same holds true for Phi Delta Theta.
Stone Foltz died in March from alcohol poisoning after a hazing ritual at Pi Kappa Alpha.
The new suspensions show “that fraternity members still don’t get it as they continue to engage in the types of practices that tragically ended Stone’s life,” stated Rex Elliott, attorney for the Foltz family.
Both Elliott and the Foltz family reiterated their call for zero tolerance for violations.
“BGSU and all Universities must do more because mere suspensions have never worked to stop these illegal activities. Zero tolerance is the only way to prevent injury and death,” Elliott stated.
In a statement, the Foltz family asserted: “When we said zero tolerance, we thought we were clear. Every University in this country must stand up and do more because lives are at risk. We have already lost our son, and we can’t bear the thought of another family living this nightmare because Universities do not do everything in their power to put a stop to these illegal practices. We promised Stone that we would never stop fighting for change. The only solution to hazing is zero tolerance.”
