The shocking, hazing-related death of BGSU student, Stone Foltz has taken the media by storm. Students at BGSU have begun protesting saying “It should not have taken for a person to die to bring any sort of change,” said Aarian Lynn, a student at Bowling Green State University. “We need in-depth training on what hazing is, how to identify it, and how to report it.” They are absolutely right.
Since my son Colin’s death, we have made some great progress working with police, prosecutors, university officials, to make legislation (Colin’s Law) we feel will quickly move to the governor’s desk following this recent tragedy. Colin’s law is an anti-hazing law designed to eradicate the culture of hazing by elevating the crime from a fourth-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony when drugs or alcohol are involved. The goal is to end hazing across Ohio and prevent any other mothers from feeling the pain that I and now Ms. Foltz are faced with. The ripple effect of a loss like those of our sons and many others is unimaginable.
HOW CAN I EDUCATE OTHERS?
Sharing my TEDxDayton recording, “The Dangers of Hazing and Bullying” is an excellent way to share the grim reality of what hazing can do, while also educating students and our community on how to notice the signs, stand-up, and prevent future deaths.
HOW CAN I EDUCATE OTHERS?
Ohio re-introduced Colin’s Law on Wednesday, March 10, 2021. We are incredibly hopeful that it will pass this time. However, the best thing you can do is stay in the know so that when there is an actionable task, we can easily communicate it to you.
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RECENT NEWS
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