Rutgers

Suicide? It is never an easy word to hear. You always wonder why or how someone could bring themselves to do such a thing; For 18 year old Rutgers University student, Tyler Clementi, it was cyberbullying. After being secretly recorded by his roommate and a friend, having sex with another male, the video was published online. Clementi found the video and was beyond humiliated. He then killed himself on Sept. 22 by jumping off New York's George Washington Bridge. Now the students responsible for the bullying are hiding and refuse to defend themselves publicly.

Is cyberbullying the real cause of this young man's death? I believe it is, but the question is, what is to be done about it? Is it a federal crime? Should it be a federal crime? Students who humiliate and torment others to the point of suicide should definitely not be taken lightly. It is a serious crime, simply another form of murder in my opinion!

These student intentionally posted the video and it was intended to cause damage to Tyler. Maybe they were not aware of the crazy twist this "prank" would take, but they should be prepared to take responsibility for their actions and stand up and take the blame for what has happened. Just think of the family right now, knowing that the suicide of their loved one is a result of another's carelessness and torment. It would be wrong not to consider it a federal crime.