Duitch v. Canton City Schools

In the case of Duitch v. Canton City Schools, 2004-Ohio-2173, a student filed a civil hazing claim against the school board and several school administrators alleging that he was severely beaten as part of an alleged “freshman-beating day” tradition. McGown & Markling represented the school board and school administrators in this case, and successfully obtained judgment in favor of the school board and school administrators. On appeal, the state appellate court held that the alleged actions of the students did not constitute voluntary initiation into any student or other organization under the hazing statute.