New Jersey senator says he’ll introduce anti-bullying legislation on US college campuses

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a pink background.

The senator of New Jersey, Frank Lautenberg, announced yesterday that he planned to introduce legislation requiring colleges to adopt a code of conduct that prohibits bullying and harassment.

This comes in the wake of a student’s recent suicide after his involvement in a gay sexual encounter was secretly filmed and broadcast online.

Mr Lautenberg, a Democrat, made the announcement at a town meeting held on Rutgers University campus in Brunswick, New Jersey, in memory of 18-year-old Tyler Clementi, who jumped off the George Washington Bridge in to the Hudson River on 22 September.

His suicide has highlighted the silent suffering of gay teens across the USA. Tragically, Clementi’s suicide is one of several of among gay US teens recently, including a 13-year-old Texan, Asher Brown, who reportedly shot himself after suffering anti-gay bullying.

Clementi’s roommate and another student have been charged with invasion of privacy.