Administrators and student leaders of Rutgers University of New Brunswick, NJ, joined with the Clementi family, representatives of the Tyler Clementi Foundation and elected officials to establish the Tyler Clementi Center at Rutgers.

The Tyler Clementi Center is a collaborative effort between Rutgers University and The Tyler Clementi Foundation. They study the transition experience of students entering higher education, examining the impact of bias, peer aggression and institutional climate on students identifying with one or more stigmatized populations- including LGBTQ and gender non-conforming students, students of color, women, religious and ethnic minorities and other stigmatized identities and/or experiences.

“This center will embody our shared commitment to breaking new ground to study the rapidly changing world our young adults live in,” the Clementi family said when the Center was announced, “in order to lend support, especially as they transition into adulthood. We commend Rutgers for its commitment – unique in higher education – and we are grateful to have the center named in memory of our son.

“Tyler’s death deeply touched the Rutgers community and brought the issues of cyber-bullying and the suicide of gay youth to the attention of the world,” said Richard L. Edwards, former Chancellor of Rutgers University. “Rutgers has a history of being responsive to the needs of our LGBTQ community, as well as offering forward-thinking scholarly work to impact broader cultural change. It was our sincere wish to work with the Clementi family to turn this tragedy into an effort that would help young people not only at Rutgers but beyond.”

Under the leadership of Maren Greathouse, Director, the center offers lectures, symposia and training to assist campus professionals in fostering institutional responsiveness and creating an affirming transition experience for all students entering higher education.