Litigation

The parents of a Rutgers University student who killed himself after his roommate allegedly used a webcam to spy on him while he was romantically involved with another man have filed notice that they intend to sue the school, according to The Mercury.

Tyler Clementi killed himself on Sept. 22, days after a roommate and another Rutgers student allegedly used a webcam to spy on him. Joseph and Jane Clementi are holding the university liable for their son’s death, claiming, in part, “It appears Rutgers University failed to act, failed to put in place and/or failed to implement and enforce policies and practices that would have prevented or deterred such acts, and that Rutgers failed to act timely and appropriately.”

Rutgers spokesman E.J. Miranda said in a statement that the school understands the Clementis’ sentiments, but that Rutgers is not to blame. The Clementis have only indicated their intent to file; they have to wait six months to file an actual lawsuit over their son’s death, which became a symbol in a national outcry over the bullying of young gays.