Understanding the Tyler Clementi Case
Tyler Clementi and Cyber-Bullying
Tyler Clementi was a college student at Rutgers University in the State of New Jersey who was the victim of Cyber-Bullying as a result of his sexual orientation. Tyler Clementi, a homosexual, was unknowingly videotaped by his college roommate, Dharun Ravi, in the midst of engaging in sexual activity with an unnamed male partner.
Dharun Ravi had not only videotaped Tyler Clementi, violating his privacy in the process, but also broadcasted the footage of Tyler Clementi and his partner to fellow students.
Dharun Ravi not only videotaped Tyler Clementi on more than one occasion, but also publicized Clementi’s sexual activity. Upon the filing of multiple complaints to his Resident Advisor about Dharun Ravi’s behavior, Clementi maintained that no recourse was offered. As a result, Tyler Clementi took his own life.
What is Cyber-Bullying?
Cyber-Bullying is an act of harassment and abuse that takes place within a digital setting, most commonly classified as Internet or Online-based forums. This type of verbal, emotional debasement directed at the victim is a nature of abuse that can come from both acquaintances of the victim, as well as individuals who have never met the victim. Due to the fact that the act of Cyber-Bullying is inherent within a virtual, digital realm, Cyber-Bullying can take place through the implementation of a vast array of media, including text, pictures, and videos.
Who was Tyler Clementi?
Tyler Clementi took his own life on September 22nd, 2010. Upon leaving a message on his Facebook page explaining that he was planning to take his own life, he jumped to his death from the George Washington Bridge in Manhattan, New York. He was 18 years old.
Case Details of Tyler Clementi’s Suicide
The following information details the events that transpired both leading up to the suicide of Tyler Clementi, as well as the after-effects of Tyler Clementi’s suicide:
On September 19th, 2010, Dharun Ravi both publicizes and broadcasts illegally-captured videos of Tyler Clementi to fellow students for the first time;
On September 21st, 2010, Dharun Ravi both publicizes and broadcasts illegally-captured videos of Tyler Clementi to fellow students for the second time;
Applicable Criminal Charges
In addition to the charge of Cyber-Bullying, both Dharun Ravi and Molly Wei, an accomplice of Ravi, are accused of the following charges:
● Committing a Hate Crime through the enactment of criminal activity resulting from prejudice and bias;
● Online Trespass and the violation of privacy laws;
Cyber-Bullying and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Community
The LGBT Community is an advocacy group operating as a Civil Rights group in order to both protect and preserve the unalienable rights afforded to citizens who classify themselves as homosexual. With regard to Tyler Clementi’s tragic suicide and the existence of hate-based bullying and intimidation, the LGBT Community serves a means of protection against inequity and injustices suffered upon them as a result of undue prejudice, bias, and hate.
The LGBT Community not only offers resources and assistance to those individuals victimized by Cyber-Bullying, but also undertakes lobbying endeavors in order to ensure that the fate of Tyler Clementi is not repeated.
Assistance for Victims of Cyber-Bullying
Individuals who have been the victims of Cyber-Bullying, as well as those who have been made aware of events of Cyber-Bullying, are encouraged to contact the National Crime Prevention Council through their telephone number: (202) 466-6272. In the event that an individual wishes not to be named, reports of Cyber-Bullying can be conducted anonymously.
Cyber-Bullying is a very real and growing concern within modernity and the tragic events that befell Tyler Clementi do not have to be repeated. There is help available; no one ever deserves to be victimized.
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