Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) has proposed federal legislation to launch anti-bullying programs in universities across the country. The family of Tyler Clementi has consented to the use of his name on the legislation. Tyler Clementi was a Rutgers University student who committed suicide after he was harassed for being gay. His roommate allegedly broadcast Clementi having a sexual encounter with a man on the internet without Clementi’s knowledge. Clementi jumped from the George Washington Bridge and his body was recovered in September of this year, about a week after he jumped in the river.
Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act would require schools that receive federal student aid "to create policies prohibiting the harassment of any student.” The bill also classifies cyber-bullying as a form of harassment. Sen. Lautenberg proposes that federal funding be given to colleges and universities to deal with harassment and bullying against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students. Clementi was only one of many in a string of gay youth suicides. There were six known suicides in a period of a month where the victim had been bullied or harassed often for being gay or for being perceived as gay. Tyler Clementi’s suicide was even more horrific when it was discovered that he had been posting on message boards seeking help and advice about the harassment.
"The family appreciates the courtesy extended to them during the drafting of the bill, and hopes that the legislation, if enacted, will improve the well-being and safety of America’s college students," the family’s statement said. "The Clementi family is humbled and gratified that the loss of their son, however painful for them, has inspired nationwide discussion and awareness of the need for a renewal of values of respect for human dignity and personal privacy, particularly for young people in this time of rapidly evolving technology."Dharun Ravi, 18, who was Clementi’s roommate, and Molly Wei, 18, have been charged with invasion of privacy. Their lawyers have asserted their innocence.
