Tyler Clementi’s Story

 

Tyler Clementi

Tyler Clementi

Ridgewood, NJ

December 19, 1991 – September 22, 2010

A passionate young man, Tyler Clementi was deeply loved by family and friends for his kind heart and bright spirit. At the young age of 18, he became the target of cyberbullying. Tyler’s story puts a human face on the harmful effects of cyberbullying and has inspired tens of thousands of youth and adults around the world to be #Upstanders. In August of 2010, Tyler began studying at Rutgers University where he was excited to learn, grow, and have the freedom to live openly as a gay man.

Share your #Upstander Story With Us

Tell us about a time when you interrupted bullying behavior, or when someone else interrupted bullying that targeted you. Let others know that we can all stand together against bullying.

One night, Tyler asked his roommate for some privacy because he had a date.

Without Tyler’s knowledge, his roommate secretly pointed his computer’s camera at Tyler’s bed, left the room, and invited other students online to watch Tyler in a most private, intimate act with another man.

Many students at the university contributed to the humiliation of this act as bystanders, by not interrupting or reporting what was happening to Tyler. Tyler discovered what his abuser had done when he viewed his roommate’s Twitter feed. He learned he had become a topic of ridicule in his new social environment. He also found out that his roommate was planning a second attempt to broadcast from the webcam.

Several days later, Tyler Clementi ended his life. He was eighteen years old. 

Responding to this tragedy with hope, the Tyler Clementi Foundation works to end online and offline bullying in schools, workplaces, and faith communities.

 

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Tyler’s Legacy

Today, Tyler’s memory lives on thanks to a growing number of #Upstanders with a shared commitment to stand up to bullying, to offer support to those targeted, and to treat every individual with dignity and respect. #Upstanders display kindness and respect regardless of one’s age, race, nationality, faith, gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural identity, or any other real or perceived difference. 

 

How You Can Help Us End Bullying

We need you to help us raise awareness regarding the harmful effects of bullying and cyberbullying. By being an #Upstander, you can interrupt online and offline bullying with respect, kindness, and empathy. As an #Upstander, you can tell individuals targeted by bullying behavior that they are not alone. Finally, you can accept and embrace others, especially LGBTQ+ youth, for their unique identities that make this world a better place.

Share Your #Upstander Story– Tell us about a time when you interrupted bullying behavior. Your words will inspire others to do the same.

#Upstander Pledge – Take the pledge to always interrupt bullying when you notice it. Then share the pledge with your classroom, workplace, or faith community. Help us reach 1 million #Upstanders!

Download our #Day1 toolkit – #Day1 guides individuals in any community to commit to creating safe spaces that are free of bullying behavior.

Donate to the Tyler Clementi Foundation, where your support can continue these goals and unite us all to remember Tyler’s memory and prevent future tragedy.

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