University campus-wide email updating Greek life at BGSU

March 19, 2021

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – On behalf of Bowling Green State University, Alex Solis, deputy chief of staff and University spokesperson, shares the following summary of a campus-wide email sent on Friday, March 19, to students, faculty and staff regarding how the University is addressing hazing:

"This morning, Bowling Green State University President Rodney K. Rogers emailed students, faculty and staff to update our community on how the University is moving forward to address hazing.

Upon learning of the alleged hazing incident, BGSU took immediate action to place Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity on interim suspension. The University suspended all new member intake processes and on- and off-campus social events of chapters in our four Greek councils. BGSU also instituted additional measures to provide for a safe restart and recommit plan for our Greek chapters.

Currently, BGSU is assisting local law enforcement, who are actively investigating this incident, and we are conducting our own student code of conduct investigation. Recognizing the seriousness of this situation, BGSU has engaged an expert, independent third party to assist with the conduct investigation. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has approved the appointment of special counsel David DeVillers, a former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio at the firm of Barnes & Thornburg. BGSU will complete a thorough and fair investigation, seeking the truth and facts, and holding all students and groups responsible.

BGSU also recognizes that hazing may not be limited to this single incident or group. In an effort to increase accountability and transparency, the University is finalizing a partnership with Dyad Strategies to conduct a broader review of fraternity and sorority life and other student organizations and activities. BGSU's goal is to get a clearer understanding of student life culture, and this external group will provide their report, which will be shared with the community. The University is committed to keeping our community updated regarding this collective process.

Bowling Green State University is about community and belonging. These proactive actions are not to punish fraternities, sororities or our student organizations. BGSU recognizes that not all students involved in Greek life are contributing to hazing. The University values students who have found a home in their organizations. However, our community can, must and will improve. Hard work lies ahead. The BGSU community will come together to move forward and strive to make sure we never experience this devastation again.

In addition, President Rogers will host roundtable discussions with students in the coming weeks focusing on BGSU's anti-hazing efforts.

BGSU believes hazing is absolutely intolerable. If you experience, witness or hear about hazing in any form, report it immediately. You can report online on the BGSU website, on the BGSU app or by calling 419-372-HAZE (4293). The University and law enforcement will follow up and take swift action."