In March of 2021, Stone Foltz died after drinking a liter of alcohol in 18 minutes.
Foltz was taking part in a hazing ritual that took place at an off-campus initiation event for the Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity (ΠΚΑ)—commonly known as PIKE—at Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
And now, his parents want justice.
In an interview with Today, Shari and Cory Foltz—Stone Foltz's parents—announced they were suing Bowling Green State University for their son's death.
"Despite being completely aware of the hazing activities that have taken place at Bowling Green for decades, the University enthusiastically endorses Greek life to parents and students."
"To be clear, any perceived benefit students get from joining a Greek organization is completely and totally outweighed by the risk of injury or death by antiquated and deadly hazing rituals."
In response, Bowling Green issued a statement claiming the lawsuit was "meritless" and "undermines our continued efforts to eradicate hazing."
\u201cHAZING DEATH LAWSUIT: The parents of 20-year-old Stone Foltz, who died after a hazing ritual that involved drinking a liter of whiskey, are suing his school for ignoring the fraternity\u2019s reckless behavior: \u201cThe pain never goes away.\u201d https://t.co/IzLSiJPUd6\u201d— CBS Mornings (@CBS Mornings) 1656013730
Since Stone Foltz's death, Pi Kappa Alpha was expelled from the Bowling Green campus and eight of its members were criminally charged for his death.
Of the eight, five of the former PIKE members have been sentenced to either jail time or probation, per Today. Prior to that, two other members were convicted of misdemeanor charges surrounding Stone Foltz's death.
\u201cIn the lawsuit, Cory and Shari Foltz alleged that their 20-year-old son was subjected to heinous acts of hazing by the Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity. https://t.co/i8nmXLWjsP\u201d— Action News on 6abc (@Action News on 6abc) 1656072019
While that seems like some measure of justice, Stone Foltz's parents don't feel it's enough.
"Until the university presidents and the individuals who have power step up and take action, we’re going to continue to see young men and women either get humiliated, injured, or even die."
Twitter had mixed reactions to news of the lawsuit.
\u201c@sentineltribune It is the same BS that I saw at U Toledo 50 years ago. And today I know alcoholics that were brought up in Greek life. I should say I knew them, because most died young from their addiction. The Greek life can be an excuse for excessive drinking.\u201d— Sentinel-Tribune (@Sentinel-Tribune) 1655996106
\u201c@Mitchel43958009 @CBSMornings Universities are the enablers.\u201d— CBS Mornings (@CBS Mornings) 1656013730
\u201c@nytimes It\u2019s very sad. Imagine how difficult this is for everyone. Praying for the family and friends of this young man.\u201d— The New York Times (@The New York Times) 1655442903
\u201c@CBSMornings @CBSNews Sorry the young man lost his life, put he was a willing participant. When kids are raised and groomed to always fit in, makes some decisions, then that\u2019s what happens.\u201d— CBS Mornings (@CBS Mornings) 1656013730
\u201c@brett_lippy @NBCNews Why so salty, I\u2019m guessing you don\u2019t have children\u201d— NBC News (@NBC News) 1656069186
\u201c@NBCNews Good we need to hold these colleges accountable! They condone underage and excessive drinking and rarely have consequences\u201d— NBC News (@NBC News) 1656069186
\u201c@NBCNews The parents failed at giving right values and common sense to their kid.\nBut lets blame the school instead to get money. \nThe other kids should be charged with involuntary manslaughter.\u201d— NBC News (@NBC News) 1656069186
\u201c@ABC We need to do away with fraternities if they can\u2019t ban hazing. A bunch of bullies coercing a kid into stuff like this for what? To belong to a fraternity? Is it worth dying for? NO\u201d— ABC News (@ABC News) 1656038194
\u201c@ABC Y does no one ever take responsibility for their own actions in this country you always sue another person\u201d— ABC News (@ABC News) 1656038194
While the public is divided about the university's responsibility, one fact is clear.
A young person's life ended way too soon for no good reason.
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