Fraternity Hazing Results in the Death of Two College Students
As universities slowly began welcoming students back on campus, two families have learned that the dangers within these college campuses are just as real as the dangers of the coronavirus that shut them down in the first place. In two incidents just weeks apart, two college students have died as a result of fraternity rush hazing at their universities.
The first incident took place at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. After attending an off-campus Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE) event where the alleged hazing took place, 20-year-old Stone Foltz returned to his dorm where he was later found unresponsive by his roommate. Newly released 911 audio recordings reveal the frantic cries of students trying to revive Foltz. In the background, other students can be heard pleading with prayers. The Bowling Green Police Department shared in a public statement that the off-campus event conducted by the fraternity included hazing activity as well as alcohol consumption.
BGSU released a statement on the incident which stated in part, "Bowling Green State University is aware of alleged hazing activity involving alcohol consumption at a Pi Kappa Alpha off-campus event on March 4. We have placed this fraternity on interim suspension as we work with local law enforcement, who are actively taking the lead in investigating this serious situation.”
The parent company of the fraternity issued a statement of their own in which they denounce hazing and explain they have a “zero-tolerance policy towards illegal activity, substance abuse, bullying, and hazing of any kind.” The fraternity was placed on administrative suspension.
The second incident took place at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. There, 19-year-old freshman Adam Oakes was found dead in an off-campus residence. His family alleges his death comes after he was blindfolded and forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol as part of the fraternity rush.
The university released a statement that explains an investigation will be launched by the university in conjunction with local law enforcement. The premise of the investigation will be to determine whether or not Oakes' death was due to his attendance at the Delta Chi event.
As part of VCU's independent investigation, the University seeks to do a “comprehensive review of Greek life.” The senior Vice Provost explains that “At their best, fraternities and sororities promote fellowship, leadership, and service through sound ethical and moral judgment. This comprehensive review will propose new ways to ensure all organizations follow our values and how they will be held accountable when they do not.”
Although both universities have come out condemning the hazing and all the behaviors that typically go along with it, members of both school communities have rallied for harsher punishment. BGSU students pushed back against the University's decision of suspension for PIKE. They call for more action to take place, including the resignation of University President Rodney K. Rogers and the permanent expulsion of PIKE.
Anti-Hazing Advocates Call for Accountability
Hazing is commonplace in universities with alcohol abuse, isolation, and other harmful behaviors becoming the norm. Data from the University of Dayton indicates that roughly 82% of deaths that occur because of hazing involve alcohol.
As data continues to emerge, advocates which are often the parents of hazing victims have had their voices magnified in the conversation of who should be held accountable for these preventable deaths.
There has been a crackdown on hazing and the dangers that come with it, with legislation being proposed in some states and passed in others. Just recently, Texas passed a bill that would take a closer look at how reports of hazing are investigated.
Advocates of such laws have made it clear that a step in the right direction means holding students involved in hazing accountable both by the university and law enforcement as opposed to suspending organizations the way BGSU and VCU have.
